Oil tanker attacked off the coast of Qatar / Casualties have been reported

An oil tanker off the coast of Qatar reported that it had been hit by several projectiles and signaled an undetermined number of casualties on Wednesday evening. The incident was announced by the British maritime safety agency UKMTO.

The attack occurred 51 nautical miles, equivalent to approximately 94 kilometers, off the coast of Qatar. The vessel was about 500 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important and riskiest maritime routes in the region.

UKMTO has not yet provided information about the identity of the tanker, the nature of the projectiles, or the severity of the injuries. Authorities and maritime agencies are expected to investigate the circumstances of the attack and determine whether the vessel was deliberately targeted.

The incident comes amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which broke out at the end of February following American and Israeli attacks on Iran. In this context, Tehran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz and restricts access for vessels transiting the area without authorization.

Before the outbreak of the war, approximately one-fifth of the hydrocarbons transported worldwide passed through the strait. In response to Iran's actions, the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and escorts tankers crossing the strategic route.

Negotiations to end the conflict remain stalled.