World · Middle East · 15 hrs ago
Two tankers attacked off Saudi Arabia, UK maritime agency says
Two tankers were attacked near Saudi Arabia on Friday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.
One vessel was hit by an unknown projectile, and another was attacked by a small boat carrying a rocket launcher.
The incidents took place in the Persian Gulf, hundreds of kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has intensified attacks on shipping in the strait in recent days, usually targeting tankers and cargo ships on a route near Oman.
Iran calls that route illegal and demands that vessels pass closer to its coast.
The US Navy has been escorting civilian ships there for several months to help restore oil and liquefied gas trade.
Iranian media also reported that a supertanker hit a sea mine in the strait, causing an explosion and fire, but that account could not be independently verified.
The tanker attacks add to risks for shipping in the region; the sources give no further details on what happens next.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported attacks on two tankers near the Saudi coast.
The incidents happened on Friday, hundreds of kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz.
One ship was hit by an unknown projectile, while a second was attacked by a small vessel carrying a rocket launcher.
The reports did not identify who was responsible.
Iran has intensified attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, but the reported tanker attacks took place elsewhere.
- Who
- Two tankers were attacked, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. The attackers were not identified.
- What
- One tanker was hit by an unknown projectile. A second was attacked by a small vessel carrying a rocket launcher.
- When
- Friday.
- Where
- Near the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf, hundreds of kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- Not stated
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- Reporting agency
- UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
- Number of tankers
- 2
- First attack
- Unknown projectile struck a ship
- Second attack
- Small vessel carrying a rocket launcher
- Location
- Near the Saudi coast in the Persian Gulf