Saudi Oil Tanker Attacks Escalate Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

Two Saudi oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, according to shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler. The incidents occurred within minutes of each other while the tankers were transiting outbound through the strait.

The first tanker, the Saudi Arabian-flagged very large crude carrier Sidr, was struck by unknown projectiles about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman at approximately 1952 UTC (GMT). The second tanker, the Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity, was reportedly struck by three unknown projectiles approximately 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Marisks said.

All crew aboard both tankers were reported safe. The Sidr and Senegal Prosperity each loaded 2 million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal last week. This marks a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor, according to Marisks.