The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the two national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiya were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.
The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the tanker Mombasa and the injury of 8 others, including 4 serious injuries — 6 of Indian nationality and 2 of Ukrainian nationality.
The attack also caused material damage to both tankers as a result of fires that broke out aboard them. The fires on both vessels have since been brought under control.
The Ministry of Defence condemned this blatant attack, describing it as a grave violation and a clear breach of international law that threatens the security and stability of the region. The ministry stressed that the state reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and its residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security, and stability and protects its national interests and resources.
The ministry expressed that it is on full alert and readiness to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to decisively confront anything that seeks to destabilise the security and stability of the state.
The ministry calls on the public to obtain information from official sources in the state and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information.