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Iranian missiles struck two UAE tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others. The attack sharpens the West Asia conflict's threat to shipping routes and foreign seafarers.
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Dubai,UPDATED: Jul 14, 2026 10:48 IST
An Indian crew member was killed and eight others, including six Indians, were injured after two UAE shipping tankers were hit in an Iranian strike in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The attack marked a major escalation in the conflict in West Asia.
The ministry said the two national tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters. It said one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa was killed, while four of the eight injured are in a serious condition.
According to the ministry, the injured include six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals. It said the attack also caused material damage to both tankers because of fires that broke out on board, but added that the fires have since been brought under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the “blatant attack”, calling it a “serious violation and a clear breach of international law”. It said, “The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents.” The ministry also said it remains on the “highest level of readiness and preparedness” to address any threats.
The US launched strikes on Iran early on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said Washington is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and suggested that it will charge other ships for a safe passage. Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan and the two tankers linked to the UAE.
With this, 11 Indian nationals have lost their lives amid the West Asia conflict. Several seafarers have also been rescued after ships and tankers came under attack during the hostilities. Last month, three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
The latest strike on the Mombasa and Al Bahiyah has left one Indian dead, eight crew members injured and both tankers damaged, as the conflict in West Asia continues to affect commercial shipping and seafarers in the region.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 14, 2026 10:48 IST
