The UAE Defense Ministry announced overnight Monday that two national oil tankers, the “Mombasa” and “Al-Bahia,” were attacked by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. According to the statement, one crew member—an Indian national—was killed in the strike, and eight others were injured.
According to the Defense Ministry, the wounded include six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals, with four listed in critical condition. The ministry said fires broke out on both tankers following the strikes, but emergency crews managed to bring them under control and the incident ended without loss of control of the vessels, though they sustained material damage.
In its statement, the UAE Defense Ministry sharply condemned the attack, defining it as a grave violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability. The ministry stressed that the country “reserves the full right to respond to this escalation” and will take all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty, security, and national interests. It added that all forces are on full alert and ready to confront any possible threat, and that the military is working to thwart any attempt to undermine the country’s security. The Defense Ministry also called on the public to rely only on official statements and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information.