A tanker ship off the coast of Saudi Arabia was struck by an unidentified missile

A fuel tanker has been struck by an unidentified object believed to be a missile or other weapon, while it was passing through the waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Reports indicate that the incident occurred in the northeast of the port city of Jubail, where the vessel was hit by the unidentified object, the type of which has not yet been confirmed, nor the location from which it was launched.

UKMTO has confirmed that all crew members of the vessel are safe and have been evacuated from the ship. So far, no damage to the surrounding area has been reported, however, details regarding other damage sustained by the vessel have not yet been disclosed.

Relevant authorities are monitoring the situation, with no information yet released on who was behind the incident or the motive for the attack. Investigations are needed to determine the origin of the object that struck the vessel.

This incident comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the security of commercial shipping and oil tankers navigating the strategic waters of the Middle East. Such attacks pose a threat to the safety of seafarers and the flow of maritime trade.