The 13th day of war in the Middle East was marked by a new escalation of attacks against countries in the region. Two oil tankers were among the ships set on fire in Iraqi territorial waters this Thursday (12), a situation that once again left the price of Brent oil above US$100 per barrel.
Military sources reported to the local television station Al Iraqiya at least one death and 37 rescued. The General Company of Ports of Iraq (GCPI) announced the complete suspension of operations at the country’s oil terminals following the episode, although it specified that commercial ports remain open.
The New York Times reported that senior Iraqi officials identified that one of the vessels, which flew the flag of the Marshall Islands, belonged to an American company.
UK Maritime Commercial Operations (UKMTO), which monitors the safety of ships and sailors around the world, warned this Thursday of a new collision with a container ship, a few kilometers from the United Arab Emirates.
The attacks take place near the Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, a strategic waterway through which, in times of peace, 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes.
On Wednesday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked three other cargo ships trying to cross the strait, raising concerns about the closure of the world’s most important energy transport route.
Sources familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain have already
reduced production by almost seven million barrels of oil per day.
New attacks in Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait
Iran again launched a new wave of attacks in the early hours of Thursday against countries in the Persian Gulf. A residential building was hit by drone debris in Dubai, as well as fuel tanks at a facility near Bahrain’s capital and a building in Kuwait.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense also warned, in several publications, about the identification and interception of at least 18 drones. Additionally, another drone attack caused a fire in fuel tanks at the port of Salalah in Oman.
