Source : Perth Now news
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy says three oil tankers have caught fire and exploded while attempting to use what it described as unauthorised routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media report.
An IRGC navy statement said one of the tankers, which was carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, had hit a mine.
Iran also said it had destroyed an unmanned US vessel in the eastern Strait of Hormuz.
There was no immediate confirmation from the US military and Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
Omani authorities said on Friday a Panama-flagged vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman.
Oman’s navy reported that a fire broke out on board the merchant ship RITI and 25 crew members were brought to safety and received medical attention.
The attack reportedly took place while the vessel was about 3km off the coast of Oman’s Musandam governorate.
Musandam is located along the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities state the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed and have reported at least 16 incidents involving ships and oil tankers since early October, including attacks and collisions with naval mines.
However, the US Central Command said on Sunday that more than 3000 commercial vessels had transited the waterway over the past six months with the support of its forces.
The US maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports and has intensified sanctions against Iran.
with EFE and DPA
