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Two supertankers carrying Saudi crude were struck by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the strategically important waterway.
Mariyam Adheela
Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude were attacked by unknown projectiles within minutes of each other while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz late Monday, according to shipping intelligence and tracking firms.
The vessels were the Saudi flagged Sidr and the Liberian flagged Senegal Prosperity. Both were carrying around two million barrels of Saudi crude after loading at the Juaymah terminal the previous week.
The attacks took place near Khasab, Oman. No casualties were reported, according to the available reports.
Marisks described the near simultaneous attacks as a further escalation in the threat environment along the Omani corridor. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Growing instability in the area has already reduced shipping activity and raised concerns over possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
The attacks also came amid renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, with oil prices rising sharply as markets reacted to the increased risk to regional energy supplies.
