Dubai: An Indian crew member was killed by an Iranian strike on UAE shipping tankers on Tuesday. The strike in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman injured eight crew members as the conflict in West Asia escalated.
The UAE Defence Ministry reported that Iranian cruise missiles struck the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah in Omani territorial waters while crossing the southern Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.
The injured include six Indian and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the eight injured remain in critical condition. The UAE officials reported that both tankers sustained material damage, and the resulting fire has been brought under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that this Blatant attack is clearly a serious violation and breach of international law. It said the UAE have full rights to respond to this escalation, indicating to take all necessary measures to protect its territory and its citizens and residents. The officials also stated they are highly prepared to face threats.
President Donald Trump stated that Washington is reinstating a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that it will charge other ships for safe passage. Iran was struck by the US early on Tuesday after Trump’s statement. Iran is targeting Bahrain, Jordan and the two tankers associated with the UAE in response to it.
In the West Asia conflict, several Mariners were rescued after facing an attack part of it. Eleven Indian nationals have lost their lives in the conflict.
