Attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf escalated on Wednesday after explosive-laden boats believed to be Iranian struck two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them on fire and killing one crew member. Maritime security firms said projectiles also hit several other vessels in the region.
The latest incidents bring the number of ships damaged since the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 to at least 16. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil, has slowed dramatically, pushing global oil prices higher.
The vessels targeted near Iraq were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros , both loaded with fuel cargoes.
Iraqi authorities said dozens of crew members were resued while fires continued to burn on the ships.
Other vessels were also struck across the Gulf, including a Thai-flagged bulk carrier and a Japanese container ship, though most crews were safely evacuated. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned they could block oil shipments through the region if attacks on Iran continue.
via Reuters
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