Saudi Oil Tankers Hit by Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Tuesday as two Saudi Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) were hit by unknown projectiles. The Sidr and Senegal Prosperity tankers, each carrying two million barrels of Saudi crude oil, were attacked while transiting outbound through the strait.

The incidents occurred within minutes of each other, with the first reported at 19:52 UTC (GMT), approximately 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The Sidr was struck by unknown projectiles in this location, while the Senegal Prosperity was hit about a minute later, approximately 17 nautical miles east of Khasab.

Fortunately, all crew members on board both tankers were reported safe following the attacks. However, the incidents mark a significant escalation in threats to shipping in the region, which has seen several previous attacks and blockades affecting energy exports from the Persian Gulf.