Gulf tensions rise? Cargo ship hit by 2 attacks; Iraq: Drones circled before explosion

A cargo ship sustained significant damage from two explosions in the Persian Gulf, with Iraqi officials indicating a drone attack as the likely cause. The incident took place approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the vessel's starboard side was struck by an unidentified projectile, triggering a large explosion. A second blast subsequently hit the same ship. Iraqi officials, speaking to Reuters, stated that preliminary assessments suggest a drone was responsible for the second, more damaging explosion.

An Iraqi maritime patrol member described hearing a drone hovering overhead before the second, powerful explosion occurred, causing the ship to catch fire. Firefighting efforts on board have reportedly been successful in controlling the blaze.

As of the report, no organization or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack. Information regarding the identity of the damaged vessel has not been made available.

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We were assessing the damage from the first explosion when we heard a drone hovering overhead, then a violent explosion occurred, and the tanker caught fire.