The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned what it described as an Iranian missile attack targeting two Indian commercial tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling the incident a grave violation of international law and an unacceptable threat to maritime security.
In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi said the Indian tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.
According to the statement, the attack claimed the life of one Indian national and left eight others injured, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
The UAE extended its condolences to the family of the deceased as well as to the Government and people of India, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Describing the attack as a “flagrant violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, the UAE said the strike undermines the principle of freedom of navigation and rejected any targeting of commercial vessels or obstruction of international maritime routes.
The Ministry further said that attacks on commercial shipping and attempts to use the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of coercion or blackmail amount to acts of piracy and pose a direct threat to regional stability, global trade and energy security.
Calling for an immediate halt to hostilities, the UAE urged all parties to ensure the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard the uninterrupted movement of international shipping to protect regional security and the global economy.
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