Dubai, July 14: An Indian crew member was killed and eight others, including six Indians, were injured after Iranian missiles struck two UAE-flagged shipping tankers in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on Tuesday, marking a further escalation in the West Asia conflict.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the southern shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.
According to officials, the Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker lost his life, while eight others suffered injuries. Four of the injured crew members are reported to be in serious condition. The injured include six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
The missile strike also caused significant damage to both vessels after fires broke out onboard, though the flames were later brought under control, the UAE Defence Ministry said.
Condemning the attack, the UAE described it as a “serious violation” of international law and said it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents.
The ministry added that UAE forces remain on the highest alert to respond to any potential threats.
The attack came after the United States launched strikes on Iran earlier Tuesday, following remarks by President Donald Trump that Washington was restoring a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and would charge vessels seeking safe passage.
Iran later carried out retaliatory attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and UAE-linked shipping vessels.
Amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, 11 Indian nationals have been killed so far, with several seafarers rescued after multiple ships and tankers came under attack. Last month, three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
