Tanker attacks around Hormuz reach weekly high

At least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers were reported around the Strait of Hormuz during the week ending October 5, the highest weekly total since the U.S.-Iran war began on February 28, according to three maritime security sources. The reported attacks have not stopped oil shipments, though the renewed violence raises risks for vessels and exporters using the waterway. The three sources counted attacks from September 28 to October 5 based on information received from the area. Separately, International Maritime Organization data recorded nine vessel incidents in the same week. Maritime sources said the U.N. shipping agency generally takes longer to verify and formally record incidents. The figures cover different categories and verification processes. The Joint Maritime Information Center said attacks, attempted attacks and harassment, including drone overflights, surveillance and radio hailing, had continued. It said the activity demonstrated Iran’s intent to assert a presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on ships. The reports do not establish responsibility for every projectile strike described.