Two supertankers carrying Saudi crude were struck by unknown projectiles within minutes of each other while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, adding to tensions along one of the world’s most important oil routes and raising fresh concerns for African economies exposed to Gulf fuel supplies.
The Saudi-flagged Sidr and Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity had each loaded about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal last week, Reuters reported, citing shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler.
"The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor," Marisks said.
The Sidr was struck by unknown projectiles about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, late on Monday. Minutes later, the Senegal Prosperity was reportedly hit by three projectiles about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab.
All crew aboard were reported safe.
