Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz continue even as oil prices fall on expectations of de-escalation. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy counts at least 10 ships hit in the first 10 days of November, after 37 attacks in October, the highest monthly tally since the conflict began.
Tankers are still burning in the Strait of Hormuz, and drones and missiles keep striking infrastructure across the region, despite expectations of a de-escalation that are reflected in falling oil prices. On Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported another incident involving a tanker in the strait. Iran said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine, but Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
October marks the highest monthly attack tally
Data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy show 37 attacks in October, the highest monthly tally since the conflict began. Ships have taken at least 10 hits in the first 10 days of November.
On Sunday, Reuters verified videos showing a Navig8 tanker on fire near the coast of Oman. Iran claimed responsibility for hitting three tankers that day for using "unauthorised routes" through the strait. Navig8 did not reply to Reuters requests for comment.
Meanwhile, US forces continue to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports. On Saturday, a US military aircraft fired on and disabled a St Kitts-flagged cargo vessel that tried to leave regional waters after visiting an Iranian port, US Central Command said.
Oil spills reach Omani shores and Aramco offices come under fire
The attacks have also caused environmental damage. A video shared on Monday and verified by Reuters showed oil reaching the shores of Oman, while satellite imagery showed spills off the coast of Oman and UAE.
Energy infrastructure has come under attack as well. The Iran-backed Houthis have struck targets including the offices of Saudi Aramco, and video shows damage to its office building in Riyadh after Houthi-claimed missile strikes on November 8. The Saudi Energy Ministry said the building was targeted in an attempted attack, with debris causing limited damage and no injuries or fatalities.
The International Maritime Organization has confirmed 133 incidents in the region since the conflict began in late February, most of them attacks, and at least 25 seafarers have been killed.
Source: Reuters via Investing.com
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