Tanker hit by 'unknown projectiles' off UAE coast: UK maritime agency

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ABU DHABI: A commercial tanker was hit by unidentified projectiles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Monday, as reported by a British maritime agency. 

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the vessel was struck approximately 78 nautical miles north of the city of Fujairah. 

Although the agency confirmed that all crew members are safe, it has advised other vessels in the region to transit with caution while authorities investigate the attack.

The incident occurred amidst a strategic deadlock, with Iran maintaining a ‘stranglehold’ on the Strait of Hormuz and the United States responding with a naval blockade. 

Despite a ceasefire in the Middle East war that began on April 8, peace negotiations remain stalled. Consequently, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would begin escorting commercial ships through the strait starting Monday.

To secure the passage of these vessels, U.S. Central Command is deploying a massive force including guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members. 

This military intervention follows a significant decline in commercial traffic in the Gulf, which has dropped from over 1,100 vessels at the start of the conflict to approximately 900 by late April.

Photo Credits: AFP