Unknown Projectiles Strike Three Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Three oil tankers have been struck by unknown projectiles while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, when three Liberia-flagged vessels with their transponders switched off were attacked. According to Marisks, a shipping intelligence firm, the tankers involved were the Al Ruwais, Mersin Prosperity, and Sinbad.

UKMTO, a Royal Navy-sponsored organization, received separate time-late reports of attacks on tankers while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One report stated that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile on Monday evening, resulting in a fire that has since been extinguished.

The Mersin Prosperity and Al Ruwais are managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services of the United Arab Emirates. Sinbad, an Aframax-sized tanker, had loaded refined products at Saudi Arabia's Jubail industrial port in early September. The attacks come as analysts claim oil flows through the Strait have recovered to pre-war levels.

Despite this, operational risks remain, and the Strait is not as open to traffic as many believe. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region.