Attacked oil tankers, Saudi Arabia claims, investigation opened

(Patria) - Saudi Arabian authorities announced on Monday that two oil tankers were among the vessels targeted by "sabotage" off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Official Emirati sources stated on Sunday that four ships were sabotaged near the port of Fujairah. It was not stated who was behind the operation, which occurs amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the incident "worrying and alarming" and requested an investigation.

The port of Fujairah is located about 140 km from the Strait of Hormuz, which, as a vital route for oil and gas flow, handles about a third of all maritime oil shipments and lies between the Gulf states and Iran. It is strategically located to serve shipments in the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa.

The sabotage, which is the subject of an international investigation, occurs after the US Navy warned on Thursday that Iran might attack commercial maritime traffic.

A statement from Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Fatih stated that one of the two Saudi ships was attacked en route to receive a cargo shipment in the port of Ras Tanura destined for Aramco customers in the US.

It was also stated that there were no human casualties or oil spills into the sea, but significant structural damage was inflicted on both vessels.

Saudi Arabia and its ally the United Arab Emirates have strongly supported US sanctions against OPEC member Iran. It was also agreed that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi would compensate for any oil deficit resulting from the sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Mousavi told the media that the incident has a "negative impact on the safety of maritime traffic.".

The US Maritime Administration issued a statement on Sunday saying that incidents near Fujairah have not been confirmed but advised caution when passing through the area. It was also stated that "the means of attack or sabotage are unknown," agencies report.