Tanker Fire After Projectile Strike Off Oman

A tanker caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile off Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. The fire was extinguished, the vessel was at anchor and its crew were reported safe. No environmental impact had been reported. UKMTO said local authorities reported the strike at 0145 UTC on October 21, about 11 nautical miles west of Bukha. The agency described the weapon as an unknown projectile and did not identify the tanker or attribute responsibility. Authorities were investigating, according to UKMTO. The agency advised nearby vessels to remain cautious and report suspicious activity. The reported strike occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route, amid heightened maritime security concerns in the region. The reports did not establish who carried out the attack. UKMTO also relayed a separate report involving another tanker near Iraq. The vessel’s master said an unknown projectile struck about 30 nautical miles southeast of Al Faw at 1830 UTC on October 20. The crew were reported safe, with no vessel damage or environmental impact reported. That incident was reported separately from the strike off Oman. A Joint Maritime...