Two explosions struck a cargo vessel in the Gulf about 40 nautical miles southeast of Iraq’s Umm Qasr, one of which was caused by a drone attack, Iraqi officials said on Monday.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel had been hit by some sort of projectile on its starboard side, causing a large explosion.
A second explosion struck the same vessel and was the result of a drone attack, according to an initial assessment, the Iraqi officials told Reuters.
The fire aboard the vessel was later brought under control, they added.
“As we were assessing the damage from the first explosion, we heard a drone hovering overhead, followed by a powerful blast that sparked a fire on the tanker,” an Iraqi maritime patrol member told Reuters.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and no information on the identity of the vessel was available.
Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier this week, the Islamic regime fired at four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz state media site IRIB reported.
The broadcaster alleged the ships attempted the journey to enter the Persian Gulf “without coordination with the security forces” at 12:35 am local time.
“They were warned, but after they ignored the warning, warning shots were fired at them, forcing them to return,” the report added.
Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report.
