Indian Sailor Killed, Eight Injured as Missiles Strike UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Abu Dhabi: An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers were reportedly hit by Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters, according to the Emirates News Agency, citing the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The vessels, identified as Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were struck while navigating the southern passage of the strategically important waterway.

The attack claimed the life of an Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa. Eight crew members were injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.

The missile strikes also caused significant damage to both tankers and triggered fires on board. Authorities said the fires were later brought under control.

The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attack, calling it a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional peace and security. The ministry said the country reserves the right to respond to the escalation and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens, residents and strategic assets.

The ministry also appealed to the public to rely only on official sources for information and avoid circulating rumours or unverified reports.

In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly denounced the attack.

Earlier, the UAE had announced that its air defence systems were responding to missile and drone threats, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry advised residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location if necessary.

According to reports carried by Iran's Press TV, recent Iranian strikes targeted several US military installations in the region, including a Patriot air defence system, an ammunition depot and a radar facility in Kuwait. The reports also claimed that Iran launched attacks on US military communication and radar facilities in Bahrain, along with a ballistic missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in response to US military action.

These claims regarding the reported strikes on US military facilities have not been independently verified.

With inputs from IANS