Two additional tankers have been hit by unidentified projectiles in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and in the northern Persian Gulf, contributing to a worrying pattern of attacks on commercial shipping as security conditions in the region decline. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was struck around 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman, early on October 21, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. The vessel is now anchored, with all crew members safe and no environmental damage reported.
In another incident on October 20, a different tanker reported being struck by an unknown projectile approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Al Faw, Iraq. UKMTO was notified after this event, but again, all crew members are safe, and there was no vessel or environmental damage. Neither tanker has been publicly identified, nor has UKMTO assigned responsibility for the attacks.
The recent incidents reflect a significant escalation in assaults on commercial shipping in the region, with violence spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz. As of mid-October, UKMTO had recorded multiple attacks and raised the threat level for maritime activities, citing a “SEVERE” risk for the Strait of Hormuz and a “SUBSTANTIAL” risk for the wider Persian Gulf, exacerbated by ongoing navigation interferences and threats to vessels, especially those that remain stationary.
