A deadly strike in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in one fatality and injuries to eight others after two oil tankers operated by the United Arab Emirates were hit. The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that the vessels, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, came under attack from Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern passage of this crucial maritime chokepoint.
The attack claimed the life of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa. Among the wounded, four individuals sustained severe injuries. The UAE government condemned the missile strikes, labeling them a grave breach of international law that poses a threat to both regional stability and the safety of maritime operations.
In the aftermath, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed the rescue of 18 crew members from the Al Bahyah, although three individuals remain unaccounted for. The incident has prompted a robust response from India, which identified 30 of the 46 crew members across both vessels as Indian nationals. The Indian authorities have expressed their condemnation of the attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families, while also coordinating with local entities to support those impacted.
This latest escalation has intensified tensions in the already volatile region, contributing to a surge in global oil prices, which have now reached a four-week high. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns related to the shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for international energy supplies.