UAE Confirms Vessels Hit Near Fujairah Port

In a statement tweeted on Sunday, Abu Dhabi said the attacks have not caused any casualties.

The statement claimed four “commercial” vessels have been damaged in the incident; however, Saudi energy ministry later on Monday said two of its oil tankers have been severely damaged in the Sunday blasts.

The incident occurred near the port city of Fujairah, one of the world’s largest bunkering hubs which lies just outside the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement adds that subjecting commercial vessels to sabotage operations and threatening the lives of their crew is considered a dangerous development.

The Arab country announced it has launched an investigation into the incident in coordination with local and international authorities.

It also said that the incident did not result in spills.

“The international community should carry out its responsibilities to prevent any parties from trying to harm maritime security and safety, which would be considered a threat to international safety and security,” it added.

This comes as the UAE officials earlier rejected the reports, saying the facility is operating normally.

The Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen news channel reported earlier in the day that seven to ten oil tankers in the port have caught fire and are completely burnt.

Al Marzouqah super tanker (9165762), Miraj tanker (9394741), A.Michel tanker (9177674), Amjad tanker (9779800), and FNSA10 tanker (9432074) are among the tankers damaged in the explosions, reported the TV channel.

The incident comes amid escalating tension in the region after Washington deployed forces, including an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East in an attempt to counter what it calls “clear indications” of threats from Iran.