Cargo ship explodes into flames after being hit in Strait of Hormuz | UK | News
The ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11. The Bosphorus has been a major point of contention during ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. It is not yet known who carried out the attack and who owns the ship.
The conflict in the Middle East entered its twelfth day on Wednesday after joint US and Israeli forces struck key areas of Iran late last month. Iran responded but attacked regions in the region, plunging the Middle East into war.
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Ships in the strait effectively stopped all traffic passing through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center warned that the attack took place off the coast of Ras al-Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate in the strait.
UKMTO said: “The extent of damage is currently unknown but is being investigated by the crew.” he said.
All crew members are safe and secure.
Approximately one-fifth of oil and gas trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump warned Iran not to target the oil passing through the Strait.
In a social media post on Monday, he wrote that Iran would be met with anger if it stopped the flow of oil through the strait.
The post read: “If Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil in the Strait of Hormuz, it will be hit 20 TIMES HARDER than it has already been hit by the United States.”
“We will also eliminate easily destroyable targets that will make rebuilding Iran as a Nation nearly impossible – Death, Fire and Fury will reign over them – But I hope and pray that this does not happen!”
Sources close to US intelligence also said that Iran started laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said the mining was not extensive and several dozen had been laid in recent days, CBS reported.
In response, Mr. Trump said Iran placing mines in the strait would have military consequences.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, he wrote: “If Iran has planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz and we have no reports of them doing so, we demand their Immediate removal!”
“If, for whatever reason, mines are placed and not immediately removed, the military consequences for Iran will be unprecedented. On the other hand, if they remove those that may have been planted, it will be a giant step in the right direction! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
