Strait of Hormuz ships hit by projectiles after U.S.-Israeli Iran strikes

The Strait of Hormuz region became a flashpoint on Sunday after US-Israeli Operation Epic Fury triggered electronic warfare activities against Iran and multiple “attacks” on ships along one of the world’s most critical energy waterways, according to reports.

The sudden rise followed the warning on February 28. US maritime authorities Citing increased security risks, we call on commercial ships to avoid strategic waterways, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, if possible.

In the advisory warning, “It is recommended that ships stay away from this area if possible.”

“The Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters are currently the most dangerous places for commercial shipping,” said Chief Maritime Safety Officer Jakob P. Larsen. BIMCOhe told Fox News Digital.

“Ships in the Persian Gulf are under threat from Iranian attacks,” Larsen said.

“Most of the ships are staying as far away from Iran as possible to protect themselves,” he added, before explaining that the ships were “trying to leave the Persian Gulf to get away from the threat.”

UK Merchant Marine Operations (UKMTO) and regional authorities reported several maritime incidents listed as “attacks” on Sunday.

A ship west of Sharjah, UAE, was rocked by the explosion of an unknown shell that exploded nearby, and another tanker north of Muscat, Oman, was hit above the waterline, sparking a fire that was later brought under control, data showed.

The organization reported that a third ship, northwest of the UAE’s Mina Saqr city, was also hit by a shell that caused a fire on the ship.

Compounding physical threats is an increase in electronic warfare with naval intelligence firm Upwind reporting Widespread GPS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) interference affecting over 1,000 ships.

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A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. (Reuters)

Windward noted widespread navigation disruption near the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas as ships mistakenly appeared at airports, a nuclear power plant and inland.

Windward said several new AIS jamming clusters were also detected in Emirati, Qatari, Omani and Iranian waters.

Major shipping company Maersk announced that it would divert some services away from the region, citing crew and cargo safety.

About 20 percent of global oil and gas exports pass through the Bosphorus, and traffic has already decreased with some tankers reversing route or turning off their AIS signals.

Industry groups have also warned of Houthi retaliation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, while analysts have warned that Iran could seize ships linked to US or Israeli interests.

“The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden,” Larsen said. he said.

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The Strait of Hormuz faces increasing security risks after US-Israeli attacks triggered maritime accidents and led shipping companies to divert ships.

He said ships with business ties to U.S. or Israeli interests were considered more likely targets, but other ships could be hit intentionally or accidentally.

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Tanker owners association Intertanko He also warned members that although immediate intelligence remained unclear, “the expectation is that the Houthis will respond and renew attacks on shipping.”

“There are no signs that Iran is attempting to close the Strait with naval mines or naval mines, but this may change at short notice,” Larsen added, before confirming that GPS interference “increased significantly following the start of hostilities.”

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