Tanker hit by two projectiles near Ras Al-Khafji as Iran reports mine fire
A tanker was hit by two projectiles 72 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Khafji, UKMTO said, while Iran reported a tanker fire after a mine strike near Hormuz.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker was struck by two unidentified projectiles about 72 nautical miles east of Ras Al-Khafji, without identifying their source or who fired them.
The agency said all crew members were safe and no environmental impact was reported, and it did not link the strike to the separate incident announced by Iran.
In a separate account, Iran's navy said a tanker caught fire after hitting a mine east of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the vessel's navigation systems had been switched off.
UKMTO did not identify who was responsible for the projectiles and did not confirm any link between the two incidents, leaving the circumstances in Gulf waters without a clear answer so far.
What do these terms mean?
UKMTO: a British Royal Navy-linked body that monitors maritime security and issues alerts about incidents in shipping lanes.
Nautical mile: a unit of distance at sea equal to about 1.852 kilometres.
Strait of Hormuz: a narrow waterway in the Gulf through which a large share of global oil exports passes.
Naval mine: an explosive device placed in water to target ships, which can remain dormant for years.
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