Drone attack on US tanker in Basra port, Iraq

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The UK Maritime Trade Operations Organization announced in a statement today (Wednesday) that a maritime incident occurred 28 nautical miles southeast of Al-Faw in Iraq. According to the “NAYA” news network, the attack was carried out by a drone inside the STS area on the Iraqi side and after the tanker left the port of Basra. The media outlet also published exclusive images of the moment the drone attacked the American tanker in the port of “Al-Umiyah” in Iraq.

 

According to reports, the targeted tanker was an American tanker named “New Andrews”. Local Iraqi sources have also confirmed that the tanker was attacked in Iraqi territorial waters. Following the attack, part of the tanker caught fire, which rescue teams managed to contain. The captain of the tanker reported that the crew was safe and no environmental damage has been reported so far.

 

Initial reports indicate that the attack was carried out by an Iranian drone. The incident comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf region have sharply increased following a series of attacks on oil tankers and retaliation between Iran and the United States. Basra port, as Iraq’s main oil export terminal, plays a vital role in the country’s economy and the world’s energy supply.