Dubai, March 11 (SANA) Two commercial vessels were struck by projectiles near the United Arab Emirates and in the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Wednesday, as security concerns escalate in the Gulf region.
According to the British maritime authority, the captain of a container ship reported that his vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile while sailing about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but all crew members were reported safe.
Agence France-Presse cited the authority as saying that the incident occurred off the UAE coast, prompting heightened monitoring of maritime traffic in the area.
Later, UKMTO said a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz was also struck by a projectile, triggering a fire on board and forcing the crew to evacuate.
The authority had reported another maritime security incident Tuesday north of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, when a vessel’s captain said he heard a loud explosion near his ship.
UKMTO urged ships operating in the region to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity that could threaten maritime safety.
The incidents come amid rising military and naval tensions in the Gulf following escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran in recent weeks.
