The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defence announced that cruise missiles fired by Iran struck two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement said one crew member was killed and eight others were injured.
According to the ministry's social media statement, the UAE-flagged tankers Mombasa and Bahia were hit by Iranian missiles in the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters. The ministry said the crew member killed was an Indian national.
Among the injured are six Indian and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the wounded are in critical condition. After the missile strikes, fires broke out on the tankers causing material damage; the fires were later brought under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the attack, describing it as "a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security." The statement said, "Our country fully reserves the right to respond to this escalation attempt."
The ministry stressed that it would take all necessary measures to protect the state's sovereignty, security and stability. It said the armed forces are on full combat readiness against any threat and will resolutely confront any attack attempt.
The statement also called on the public to rely only on official information sources to prevent the spread of disinformation.