UKMTO reports two unknown projectiles struck tanker off Saudi Arabia

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two unknown projectiles struck a tanker on Sunday at 23:47 GMT, approximately 72 nautical miles (133km) east of the Saudi Arabian coastal city of Khafji. The agency did not identify the vessel or the flag it was sailing under.

According to UKMTO, all crew members are accounted for and there was no reported environmental impact at the time of the statement. The agency did not provide further details on the extent of damage to the tanker or the nature of the projectiles.

The incident occurred in the Persian Gulf, a key waterway for global oil shipments. Khafji is located near the border between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and is home to an oil field. The UKMTO, which is part of the British Royal Navy, monitors maritime security in the region and issues advisories to shipping.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities have not commented on potential perpetrators. The UKMTO advised vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

This incident follows a series of maritime security alerts in the region. In recent months, the UKMTO has reported multiple incidents involving ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, amid heightened tensions over commercial shipping. The agency has previously warned of increased risks to vessels transiting these waters.

The report by Mehr News added that the UKMTO statement did not specify the tanker's nationality or the cargo it was carrying. The agency said it would provide updates as more information becomes available.