A Petro Dolphin-operated oil tanker was reportedly attacked by a drone off Oman's coast in the area of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera said, with video and photos showing plumes of thick black smoke rising from the vessel.
The report did not provide immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of damage to the tanker. There was no immediate claim of responsibility and further details about the incident were not yet available.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a large portion of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes, and incidents in the area typically draw close attention from regional governments, shipping companies and insurers. Attacks on commercial vessels can raise concerns about maritime security and potential disruptions to energy markets.
Al Jazeera’s coverage included visual footage of smoke coming from the tanker, but official statements from Omani authorities, Petro Dolphin or international naval forces were not reported in the initial accounts. Additional reporting is expected as authorities and the vessel’s operators provide more information.