Drone Strike Hits Iraqi Tanker, Escalating Middle East Tensions

A drone strike on Wednesday targeted a tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil in the country's territorial waters, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The New Andros tanker, which is registered in Panama and carries around 2 million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil, was hit by a drone at 6 a.m. local time, causing a fire that was quickly put out by Iraqi rescue boats.

Fortunately, the 22 crew members on board were declared safe with no injuries reported.

The incident highlights the growing risks to Iraq's economy due to its reliance on petroleum exports from southern terminals and maritime routes across the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.