UKMTO warns all commercial vessels are at critical risk in the Strait of Hormuz after missile and drone attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has raised the risk level in the Strait of Hormuz to 'critical,' the highest level, following a series of missile and drone attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the UAE.
In a statement from the UKMTO, it was reported that multiple missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on several vessels near the Gulf of Oman, close to Musandam, and in the UAE's coastal waters have been confirmed.
The statement noted that attacks had been carried out on 'SKYLIGHT, MKD VYOM, and SEA LA DONNA,' crude oil and petroleum tankers within the last 24 hours. Following the confirmation of these attacks, the maritime security situation in the region has escalated to the highest risk level, 'critical.'
It was conveyed in the statement that no connections had been found that would make these vessels suitable candidates for attack. It also stated, 'Although the Strait of Hormuz has not been officially declared closed, the operational environment reflects active kinetic threat conditions in this region.'
The statement mentioned that there is an average of 138 vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz daily, but this number has decreased by more than 20% in the last 24 hours to approximately 110. It emphasized that this decline is a temporary reaction rather than a structural decrease.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that due to ship operators postponing transits through the Strait of Hormuz until the situation in the region becomes clearer, an increase in vessel density near UAE coastal ports, offshore Oman, and anchorage areas in the Strait of Hormuz is expected.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
