KABUL: International media reports that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped by 95% since the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to a recent report by Al Jazeera, around 20,000 sailors aboard approximately 2,000 ships are currently stranded in the strategic waterway, facing increasingly dire conditions.
The report says many crews remain confined to their vessels with dwindling supplies of food and water, while also dealing with severe stress and psychological pressure.
Data cited in the report shows that between February 28 and March 12, only 279 ships managed to pass through the strait compared to roughly 100 ships per day before the conflict.
Al Jazeera also reported, citing sources, that at least 22 vessels have been targeted in waters near the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
It remains unclear when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to normal shipping, raising growing concern among countries worldwide over global trade and energy security.