A fatal attack on two oil tankers operated by the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to eight others. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the oil tankers, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were allegedly targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles as they navigated the southern passage of the critical maritime corridor. Tragically, an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa lost his life in the assault, and four of the injured crew sustained severe injuries.
The UAE has condemned the missile strike, which caused substantial damage to both vessels, labeling it a grave violation of international law. The incident poses a significant threat to regional security and the safety of maritime navigation. Meanwhile, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre has reported that 18 crew members from the Al Bahyah were successfully rescued, but three remain unaccounted for.
In a statement, India confirmed that 30 out of the 46 crew members on the affected tankers were Indian nationals. The Indian government has denounced the attack, offering condolences for the loss of life and pledging cooperation with local authorities to provide aid to those impacted.
This attack has escalated tensions in the already volatile region and has contributed to a surge in global oil prices, which have reached a four-week high. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns over the security of oil shipments traversing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.