An Indian national was killed and eight others injured after Iranian cruise missiles targeted two Emirati oil tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, while they were transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The attack occurred within Omani territorial waters, according to the ministry's statement on X.
The UAE Defence Ministry confirmed that the missiles struck the two tankers, which were carrying oil through the strategic waterway. The Indian crew member who died was aboard the Mombasa tanker. The ministry's post highlighted the severity of the attack, which also resulted in injuries to eight other crew members. The incident has raised concerns over maritime security in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and attacks on vessels in this area have significant implications for international trade and energy markets. The targeting of Emirati tankers by Iranian missiles adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, affecting shipping routes and the safety of multinational crews. This event follows previous incidents involving attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, underscoring the volatile security environment.
The UAE Defence Ministry's announcement on Tuesday detailed the attack and its consequences, marking a serious escalation in regional hostilities. The death of the Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker is the first confirmed casualty from this strike, with eight others injured. The incident is under investigation by regional authorities and has prompted diplomatic responses from the affected countries.