Reuters has verified videos showing a tanker burning near Oman and oil reaching its shores. These videos document damage around the Strait of Hormuz as attacks on shipping continue.
Footage posted on Sunday showed a Navig8 tanker ablaze near the Omani coast. A Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image captured that day showed a large plume of black smoke at the same location.
Iran claimed it had struck three tankers that Sunday because they used unauthorised routes through the strait. Navig8, majority-owned by ADNOC Logistics & Services, did not answer emailed requests for comment.
At least 10 ships were hit during the first 10 days of November, according to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Its data recorded 37 attacks in October. This was the highest monthly total since the conflict began.
Across the region, the International Maritime Organisation has confirmed 133 incidents, most involving attacks, since fighting began in late February. At least 25 seafarers have been killed.
Environmental damage has spread beyond the vessels themselves. Separately verified footage posted on Monday showed oil washing onto Oman’s shores. Additionally, satellite images showed spills off Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. forces have continued to enforce their naval blockade of Iranian ports. The U.S. Central Command reported that a military aircraft fired upon and disabled a cargo ship flying the flag of St. Kitts on Saturday. According to the command, the vessel had previously docked at an Iranian port. It was attempting to leave the regional waters.
Read More:Strait of Hormuz Fertiliser Crisis: UN Urges Iran, US Action
Attacks have also targeted facilities on land. Verified video footage showed damage to a Saudi Aramco office building in Riyadh after the Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for missile strikes on November 8. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry described the incident as an attempted attack on the Aramco building. It stated that falling debris caused limited damage. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
