Maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Wednesday that at least three container ships were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz.
اضافة اعلان
Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels crossing the strait in response to American and Israeli bombardment of the country, as well as the U.S.-imposed blockade on Iranian ports.
A Liberian-flagged container ship sustained damage to its bridge after being targeted by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades northeast of the Sultanate of Oman. The UKMTO stated that the ship's captain reported the approach of an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warship, followed by gunfire. No fires or environmental damage were reported, and all crew members are safe. Maritime security sources noted that three individuals were on board the attacking warship.
The captain of the Greek-operated container ship stated that there was no radio contact prior to the incident, noting that the vessel had initially been informed it had clearance to transit the strait.
The UKMTO later reported that a second container ship, flying the Panamanian flag, came under fire approximately eight nautical miles west of Iran. The vessel sustained no damage, and its crew is safe.
Maritime security sources added that a third container ship, also flying the Liberian flag, was fired upon at a similar distance west of Iran while exiting the strait. The vessel sustained no damage and came to a halt in the water; the crew was unharmed.
Before the outbreak of the war on February 28, approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies passed through this vital strait.
Source: Reuters
