12 Tanker Attacks Strike Hormuz in Highest Weekly Total Since Iran War Began in most dangerous countries
Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest weekly total since the Iran war began, with at least 12 incidents recorded in early October amid rising Gulf oil exports in most dangerous countries. In the week of September 28-October 5, at least 12 attacks, attempted attacks and harassment incidents targeted oil, LNG and LPG tankers around the Strait of Hormuz, the highest number since February 28. [1]
Spike in Hormuz Tanker Attacks
Attacks on tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz hit their highest level last week since the Iran war began, according to maritime security sources tracking incidents, amid a bigger export push by Gulf producers. [1] In the week of September 28-October 5, at least 12 attacks hit oil, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers around the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from three maritime security sources that analysed incidents based on information received from the area. [1] That was the highest number of attacks in a single week since the US war with Iran began on February 28, the sources said. [1]
Iranian Military Activity in the Strait
Reuters on Wednesday reported that attacks, attempted attacks and harassment activity, including drone overflights, surveillance and hailing using VHF radio by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, have persisted in the strait, the US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre said in a note on Sunday. [1] “These actions continue to demonstrate Iran’s intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels,” the JMIC said. [1]
On Peace Tanker Strike and Casualties
India’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that 12 crew members were injured after an unknown projectile struck the Panama-flagged oil tanker On Peace while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz. [1]
Gulf Export Levels Despite Threats
Gulf oil exporters topped pre-war levels for about half of September, shipping data showed on Monday, though attacks on tankers and logistical constraints cloud the outlook for sustained higher flows. [1]
UN Maritime Agency Verification
Separate data collated by the UN’s shipping agency, the International Maritime Organisation, showed nine incidents involving vessels in the same week. [1] The UN body tends to take longer to verify and officially record incidents, maritime sources say. [1] The closest week in terms of comparable incidents was the week of July 13, when there were eight incidents, separate IMO data showed. [1]
Ongoing Regional Conflicts
The African Union Panel of Facilitators on Wednesday called for strict respect for ceasefire commitments and continued engagement in the ongoing diplomatic peace process following consultations in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a major urban hub seized by the March 23 Movement rebel group. [2] A delegation of the panel held consultations in Goma earlier this week with representatives of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, UN and humanitarian agencies, as well as M23, according to a statement issued by the AU. [2] Yemeni government forces say they seize Kahbub front near Bab al-Mandeb. [3] UN Interim Force says gunfire hit its position in southern Lebanon. [4] More than 1,200 displaced in single day in Sudan’s Blue Nile state, according to the UN migration agency. [5]
What to watch next: Lasting peace requires political dialogue, the panel said, encouraging continued engagement in good faith in the Doha process while stressing the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access. [2]
