By Islam El-Sakka
A tanker was struck by two projectiles off Qatar's coast in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, the British military said, adding that the status of the crew remains unconfirmed. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported the attack took place 50 nautical miles north of Qatar's city of Madinat ash Shamal. It did not identify the tanker or its flag, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility. The extent of damage and any environmental impact are unknown.
UKMTO notes underreporting of attacks
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said last month it was "struggling to accurately report" the true number of attacks because the majority of ships now refuse to report them. The center did not provide further details on the latest incident.
South Korea proposes expanding anti-piracy mission
South Korea's military has proposed expanding the operational area of its Cheonghae anti-piracy naval unit, currently deployed near Somalia, to include waters south of Oman. Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said Thursday the expansion would not involve South Korea in the U.S. war with Iran. She stressed that South Korea would not directly participate in military operations to ensure freedom of navigation near the Strait of Hormuz unless "allowable circumstances" arise, such as an end to the war or an agreement to stop the fighting. Under the proposal, the unit's area would extend to near the port of Duqm, more than 650 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, and would receive additional equipment and personnel, including patrol aircraft and an explosive ordnance disposal team. The changes require approval from President Lee Jae Myung and the national legislature.
Iranian state TV reports mines in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's state television said Thursday that two oil tankers and a towboat caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The report, citing a Revolutionary Guard statement, did not provide details on casualties or the vessels' flags and could not be independently verified. The Guard also claimed to have seized two U.S. drones in the airspace over the strait. Tehran closed the strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil supply passes during peacetime, after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February, launching the war.
