Tanker Struck by Projectiles off North Coast of Qatar, Reports UKMTO

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a tanker sailing off the north coast of Qatar was struck by multiple projectiles, resulting in a number of casualties. The incident occurred 94 kilometers (58 miles) north of Madinat ash Shamal. UKMTO indicated that authorities are investigating the attack but did not disclose the number of casualties or the origin of the ship. This attack is noted as unusual, with The Maritime Executive stating it is the first reported attack on a tanker in the western half of the Gulf in weeks. Qatar has not provided a comment regarding the incident, which occurred within its exclusive economic zone. Attacks on vessels are more frequently reported in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Prior to the onset of the United States-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28, the strait managed approximately 125 large commercial vessels daily, accounting for about 20 percent of global crude and liquefied natural gas supplies. In response to US-Israeli actions, Iran has effectively closed the strait, while the US has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports. UKMTO noted that there have been nine attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz this month, which represents half of the total attacks in the waterway and Gulf for September. Despite these incidents, Middle Eastern oil exports have reportedly risen and, according to provisional data, have even surpassed pre-war levels recently. The seven-day moving average of Middle East crude exports reached 18.3 million barrels per day (bpd) on September 30, compared to about 18 million bpd on average over the previous 12 months, according to data firm Kpler.