Iranian Drone Boats and Sea Mines Target Six Vessels in Recent Attacks

Iraq Suspends Oil Terminal Operations Following Attacks on Two Tankers

Reports emerged of an attack on two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, resulting in massive fires and one confirmed death. The Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Zefyros, both carrying fuel cargoes from Iraq, were targeted in a late-night assault on Wednesday.

According to officials, four vessels were struck by projectiles in Gulf waters, with two of them experiencing significant damage. One crew member was recovered from the water, but it is unclear which ship they belonged to.

Iraqi rescue teams continued searching for missing seafarers, while 25 crew members were rescued from the affected vessels. The fires on both ships are still burning, and oil ports have been suspended operations following the attacks.

The incident has been described as sabotage by officials, who claim it is a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty in its territorial waters. Reports suggest that Iranian explosive-laden boats may have carried out the attack.

This comes amid tensions between Iran and the international community, particularly the United States and Israel, over Iran’s blockade of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported an unidentified projectile striking a container ship in the UAE, while another vessel was damaged by two projectiles in the same area.

The incident has raised concerns about maritime security in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera