Drone attack hits oil tanker near Dubai

A Kuwaiti oil tanker came under attack in waters near Dubai, after a drone strike triggered a fire onboard, raising concerns over maritime security and environmental risks in the region.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the incident occurred within the emirate’s maritime boundaries near Anchorage “A.” Emergency response teams were quickly deployed, and maritime firefighters are currently working to contain and extinguish the blaze. Authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.

The tanker, owned by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was fully loaded at the time of the attack. The company warned that the incident could pose a risk of marine pollution due to a possible oil spill resulting from the fire and damage to the vessel.

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Earlier reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations indicated that an unidentified projectile had struck a tanker approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. The vessel was operating in the area when it was hit, leading to a fire onboard.

Despite the severity of the incident, UKMTO confirmed that all crew members were safe and accounted for, with no immediate injuries reported. The quick response by emergency teams helped prevent the situation from escalating further.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the broader Gulf region, where critical shipping routes and energy infrastructure have increasingly become targets. Analysts warn that such incidents could disrupt maritime trade and raise insurance costs for vessels operating in the area.

Authorities have not yet attributed responsibility for the attack, and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, efforts remain focused on controlling the fire and minimizing any environmental damage.

The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.

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