World News : One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two UAE-flagged tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. Four of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, the ministry said the tankers, Mombasa and Bahia, were targeted in the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani waters.
One Indian Killed in Attack
According to the ministry, six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals were among those injured.
“The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the tanker Mombasa and injuries to eight others,” the statement said. Four of the injured sustained serious injuries.
The ministry added that both vessels caught fire following the missile strikes, but the fires were later brought completely under control.
UAE Condemns Attack, Warns of Response
The UAE strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious violation and a clear breach of international law, as well as a threat to regional security and stability.
The UAE government said it reserves the full right to respond to the escalation and would take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, citizens, residents and national interests.
The Defence Ministry also said the country’s armed forces had been placed on high alert and were fully prepared to deal with any threat.
Iran Had Warned Against ‘Illegal Passage’
The UAE’s announcement came after Iran claimed that its Revolutionary Guards had fired warning shots at two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state television reported that the vessels were targeted and stopped with warning fire from the Revolutionary Guards’ naval forces for allegedly attempting to pass illegally through the strategically important waterway.
