Tensions in West Asia have intensified after a reported maritime attack in the Persian Gulf involving commercial vessels near Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent “ATTACK” warning following a serious maritime security incident in the northern Gulf. According to updates shared by the agency, the incident occurred about five nautical miles south of Al Basrah. UKMTO said the report was received through a company security officer and advised vessels operating in the region to exercise caution. The agency issued a safety directive urging ships to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity while transiting the area. 

 

In a separate update, UKMTO reported another incident about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali. The master of a container ship informed authorities that the vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile, causing a small fire onboard. All crew members were reported safe.

 

Meanwhile, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported that a foreign oil tanker caught fire in territorial waters near Basra after an alleged attack near Umm Qasr Port in the Persian Gulf. The report claimed the vessel was targeted on Wednesday, with video footage of the incident widely circulating on social media platforms. The agency cited allegations that the tanker had been attacked by Iran, though there was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim. Maritime authorities have advised ships in the region to remain on heightened alert as investigations into the incidents continue.