Another specialized liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier has been struck on the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.
Sea-news.az reports that the attack was recorded in Omani waters, in the southern direction of the Strait of Hormuz. It is reported that the vessel subjected to the strike is the Bermuda-flagged LNG tanker named “Gazlug Shangal,” carrying Qatari-owned liquefied natural gas on board. The report emphasizes that the vessel had turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) and positioning systems while moving along the said route.
It should be noted that although the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz is officially declared open for civil navigation, it is considered a high-risk zone due to active military operations and sea mines. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently issued a statement declaring that the southern waters have been mined and navigation along that route poses a mortal danger.
This is the third serious incident recorded against maritime transport vehicles in the Strait of Hormuz during the day. Against the backdrop of the intensifying naval blockade in the region, the security of strategic energy carriers continues to deteriorate sharply.
