Panama-flagged ship hit in Iraq waters

The Iraqi government reported Wednesday that a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker suffered damage from an unknown source in Iraqi territorial waters, following reports of a drone attack.

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport said the attack “caused material damage to the hull of the vessel.”

The department confirmed that the incident “caused no casualties or injuries among the crew, nor did it cause any cargo leaks into the water.”

The statement  noted that the competent authorities “are investigating the circumstances of the incident and working to identify the origin and cause of the impact.”

The ministry also stated that “immediately after the incident, the relevant security, official and maritime authorities implemented the necessary precautionary measures.”

“The vessel was isolated and placed under continuous surveillance, while the surrounding area was inspected to rule out fuel leaks, further damage or any indication that might pose a risk to navigational safety or the marine environment,” the statement added.

The incident comes after the US  confirmed on Tuesday the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, in response to two ballistic missile attacks attributed to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard against a US warship during the previous two days.

Following this, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed to have attacked two US ships, eight oil tankers, and a dozen boats in the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to launching missiles against the Al Azraq base in Jordan – where US troops are stationed.