Fighting has spread to tankers near the Strait of Hormuz

Deadly fighting in the Middle East has reached commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, with multiple vessels coming under fire. The Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was targeted a few miles north of Khasab port in Oman; the 20-person crew was evacuated and at least four people were injured.

An official with Operation Aspides said Omani authorities carried out the rescue operations. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, though the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned what it called "brutal Iranian attacks" on Duqm port and an oil tanker off its coast.

The incident was the first ship to come under fire since the US and Israel began a strike campaign, and Tehran has retaliated with missiles and drones across the Middle East. Iran has previously attacked ships near the strait, including with Shahed one-way attack drones, and its proxies have targeted commercial vessels.

Oman, Khasab, Duqm

hormuz strait, tankers, skylight, oman, khasab, duqm, gcc, iran, shahed drones, operation aspides