An Indian crew member was killed and eight others, including six Indians, were injured after two UAE oil tankers were hit in an Iranian missile strike while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on Tuesday, marking a major escalation in the ongoing West Asia conflict.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane within Omani territorial waters.
The ministry confirmed that one Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa tanker lost his life. Of the eight injured crew members, six are Indian nationals and two are Ukrainian nationals, with four reported to be in serious condition.
The missile strike also caused significant damage to both vessels and triggered onboard fires, which were later brought under control.
Condemning the attack, the UAE described it as a blatant violation of international law and said it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens and residents. The ministry added that the country’s armed forces remain on the highest level of preparedness to counter any further threats.
The attack comes amid intensifying hostilities in West Asia. Earlier on Tuesday, the United States launched strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently retaliated with attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan and the two UAE-linked tankers.
With the latest incident, the number of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing regional conflict has risen to 11. Last month, three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
(AGENCIES)
