Iran’s IRGC says two oil tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported that oil tankers struck naval mines in the eastern Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. According to Middle East Eye, the IRGC stated that two tankers hit mines while attempting to cross the strait "secretly" using unauthorized routes and by switching off tracking and navigation equipment.

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News also reported that two tankers caught fire after striking a naval mine. However, Investing.com noted that earlier Iranian reports on Saturday claimed at least four oil vessels, including a supertanker, had hit mines and caught fire.

The UN's International Maritime Organization tracked 136 security incidents involving vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East between March 1 and November 11, while Investing.com cited a UN figure of 134 confirmed incidents since February. Qatar Tribune reports that Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, stated at a UN Security Council briefing that at least 25 seafarers have been killed in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February.

Khiari noted that security incidents have been rising, with October recording the highest tally since the start of the conflict.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, Qatar Tribune, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News, Investing.com — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.