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Ship attack reports near Hormuz reach record high as oil exports slow
Überblick
BBC Verify analysis of UK Maritime Trade Operations data shows that ship attack reports in and around the Strait of Hormuz have reached a record high, with 12 vessels attacked between 5 and 11 October. The rising number of strikes has caused a slowdown in the recovery of oil shipments through the strait, dropping from 15 million barrels per day at the end of September to about 12.6 million barrels per day by 13 October. Experts indicate that Iran is intensifying and widening its attacks to assert control over the waterway in response to US military-escorted tanker operations.
Wichtige Punkte
- Twelve vessels were reported attacked between 5 and 11 October, marking the highest weekly strike total since the conflict with Iran began.
- Six vessels were struck on Sunday, setting a one-day high, including the Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin which left two crew members missing.
- The container ship GFS Pride sank after being struck by an unknown projectile in the strait on Tuesday, with all 21 crew safely evacuated.
- Middle East oil exports slowed, dropping to about 12.6 million barrels per day on 13 October compared to 15 million barrels at the end of September.
- Experts state that Iran has evolved its strategy to deter commercial traffic and assert control as the US military increases assisted transits through the strait.