KABUL: A fire broke out aboard an oil tanker after an unidentified missile struck it near the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was later extinguished, according to reports.
The incident comes amid a recent increase in security threats to commercial vessels around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was struck approximately 13 nautical miles west of the Al Jazeera area in the UAE. The impact caused a fire on board, which was subsequently brought under control.
Reports indicate that full details regarding those responsible for the incident, the extent of damage to the vessel, and the condition of its crew have not yet been released, and relevant authorities have launched an investigation.
Maritime security sources said the attack occurred outside the Strait of Hormuz, potentially indicating an expansion of threats against vessels in the region.
The incident comes as reports of attacks on commercial and oil-carrying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf have increased in recent days. According to reports, rising threats to maritime traffic have also affected international trade and energy transportation.