UAE: Four vessels attacked near territorial waters May 12

Event

UAE authorities declared on Sunday, May 12, that four commercial vessels were attacked near the emirate of Fujairah. No casualties were reported immediately following the attack. On Monday, May 13, Saudi authorities announced that two Saudi oil tankers were among the vessels targeted. Further details are still emerging as the UAE foreign ministry is investigating the exact circumstances of the incident. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Houthi rebels in Yemen might be behind the attack as a Houthi sponsored media announced on Tuesday, May 14, that seven Houthi drones had targeted vital Saudi facilities. However, no information regarding the exact time, location, and targets of the attack was disclosed.

Further such attacks targeting Saudi and UAE facilities are possible in the near term.

Context

The attack took place amid heightened regional tensions between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran as well as renewed tensions between the US and Iran. Iran has recently threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy waterway located 70 nautical miles from where the vessels were attacked as US authorities are moving to end exemptions from Iranian oil exports as part of the country's ongoing sanctions against Iran.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation.