An Indian crew member was killed and eight other sailors injured when two Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted in the southern lane of the strait while in Omani territorial waters. The Indian sailor was aboard the Mombasa. Six of the injured are Indian nationals and the other two Ukrainians. The condition of four of them is said to be critical.
The attack caused material damage to both tankers after fires broke out on board but were later brought under control.
Condemning what it called a “blatant attack”, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the UAE retained “its full right to respond to this escalation”. It said the UAE remained fully prepared to deal with any threats and was taking all necessary measures to respond firmly to any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India would ill ensure that issues like free, open and rule-based maritime order, including safety of seafarers, get the “attention they deserve” at the UN Security Council.
Also read: Govt summons Iranian envoy after Indian sailor's death
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