12 Tanker Attacks in Strait of Hormuz Mark Highest Weekly Total Since Iran War Began in Most Dangerous Countries
Multiple active conflicts around the world continue to generate civilian displacement, attacks on international forces, naval engagements and heightened maritime threats in most dangerous countries, with the Strait of Hormuz recording the highest weekly tanker attacks since the Iran war began.
Escalating Maritime Threats in the Strait of Hormuz
According to maritime security sources tracking incidents in the area, attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz last week were the most frequent of any week since the Iran war began. [5] In the week of September 28 to October 5, there were at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers around the strait, according to data from three maritime security sources cited by the Reuters news agency. [5] The sources said this was the highest weekly total since the US war with Iran started on 28 February. [5] The International Maritime Organisation, the UN's shipping agency, reported separate data showing nine incidents involving vessels in the same week. [5] Maritime sources say the UN body tends to take longer to verify and officially record incidents. [5] In IMO figures, the closest comparable week was the one beginning 13 July, when eight incidents were logged. [5] On Sunday, the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre said attacks, attempted attacks and harassment activity by Iran's Revolutionary Guards had persisted in the strait. [5] This activity includes drone overflights, surveillance and hailing vessels by VHF radio. [5] These actions continue to demonstrate Iran's intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels, the JMIC said. [5] On Tuesday, India's foreign ministry said 12 crew members were injured after an unknown projectile struck the Panama-flagged oil tanker On Peace as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. [5] Meanwhile, shipping data showed on Monday that Gulf oil exporters exceeded pre-war levels for about half of September. [5] However, attacks on tankers and logistical constraints cloud the outlook for sustained higher flows. [5]
Sudan Displacement Crisis in Blue Nile State
More than 1,200 people were displaced in a single day in Sudan’s Blue Nile state, bringing the total fleeing villages in Wad al-Mahi locality to 6,800 in four days according to the UN migration agency. [2] More than 1,200 displaced in single day in Sudan’s Blue Nile state according to the UN migration agency. [2] Displacement brings total fleeing villages in Wad al-Mahi locality to 6,800 in 4 days, says International Organization for Migration. [2]
More than 1,200 people were displaced in one day in Sudan’s Blue Nile state. — Source: anadolu
Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon
UN Interim Force says gunfire hit its position in southern Lebanon. [1] Peacekeeping mission launches investigation, warns attacks on personnel may amount to war crimes. [1] UN Interim Force in Lebanon reported gunfire hit its position in southern Lebanon and warned that attacks on peacekeeping personnel may amount to war crimes. [1]
Ukrainian Naval Drone Downs Russian Shahed
Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian Shahed-type attack drone using an uncrewed surface vessel equipped with a turret, with the Ukrainian Navy releasing footage of the interception. [3] Navy personnel used a Sargan 3000 drone fitted with a turret. [3] The video released by the military shows the Shahed being targeted with several bursts of machine-gun fire, after which the UAV is seen falling into the sea and exploding. [3] A Shahed operating on a mesh network was hit by fire from a turret mounted aboard a Sargan 3000 uncrewed surface vessel. [3] The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to carry out tasks to defend Ukraine's sea coast and airspace. [3] Ukraine's Sargan 3000 uncrewed surface vessel has previously been used in operations in the Black Sea. [3] In September the Navy reported that this drone, fitted with a 12.7mm Protector remote weapon station, had destroyed a Russian USV for the first time. [3] Earlier, in July, Ukrainian naval personnel used a Sargan 3000 to sink a Russian second-rank border patrol ship near Novorossiysk. [3]
Broader Global Conflict Patterns in Most Dangerous Countries
These disparate incidents illustrate continuing worldwide conflict risks affecting civilians, international shipping and peacekeeping operations. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] The surge in tanker attacks comes as Gulf producers step up their exports. [5] The resumption of fierce fighting in Yemen has pitted the Iran-backed Houthi group against a kaleidoscope of different factions aligned with internationally recognised government and the Saudi-led coalition. [4] Non-state militias are playing a key role in pushing back against the Houthi advance in Taiz and are leading the counter-offensive to retake the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb. [4]
What to watch next: The UN Interim Force investigation into the gunfire incident, further naval drone operations by Ukrainian forces, and continued counter-offensives by the listed Saudi-backed factions along Yemen's Red Sea coast.
