A cargo vessel located about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq, was hit by two explosions on June 1. The first blast struck the starboard side of the ship and was caused by an unknown projectile, according to multiple reports [1, 2, 3, 4].
The second explosion followed shortly after and was attributed to a drone attack, according to Iraqi officials' initial assessment [1, 3, 4]. This second blast ignited a fire aboard the vessel. A source described hearing a drone hovering overhead just before the explosion [4]. Some reports referred to the ship as an oil tanker as well as a cargo vessel, suggesting uncertainty over the vessel type [1, 2, 3, 4].
The fire was brought under control later the same day [1, 3, 4]. There were no immediate reports of casualties or environmental damage from the incident [1, 2].
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving the report of the attack in the waters southeast of Umm Qasr [1, 2, 3, 4]. So far, no group has claimed responsibility, and the nationality or identity of the vessel has not been disclosed [1, 2, 3, 4].
The explosions mark a serious security incident in Gulf waters off southern Iraq. Authorities are continuing investigations into the attack's origins and motives.
