Two tankers struck in suspected attacks in Gulf of Oman: Media Reports

Media Reports of two oil tankers being hit in a suspected attack in the Gulf of Oman have raised fresh security concerns in the Gulf region.

A fire broke out after an explosion on board the Norwegian tanker Front Altair, one of two ships involved in the security incident in the Gulf of Oman, according to International Tanker Management (ITM), which manages the tanker.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the explosion, which is as yet unknown, and ITM is working on plans to salvage the vessel.

According to the US navy’s fifth fleet, it is assisting the tankers, which issued distress calls from off the



coast of UAE near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The sailors have reportedly been evacuated.

The incident comes a month after a similar incident of ‘sabotage attack’ was reported on four vessels in the UAE territorial waters. The investigation into the attack found sophisticated weapons used and the UAE in its briefing to the UN Security Council said that it suspected the handiwork of a state actor without naming any country.

The US although accused Iran of being behind the attacks but Tehran denies this and has called for an international investigation into the incident.