Four oil tankers catch fire after limpet mine attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard and maritime security sources reported that four oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz following attacks with limpet mines.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated that four tankers were ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz after striking mines. One vessel, the Panama-flagged Louise 1, was targeted about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, on Thursday. Maritime security sources told Deutsche Welle that a small boat attached two mines to the hull of the Louise 1, sparking a fire in the engine room.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that 27 Indian seafarers on the Louise 1 were safe. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted the fire was put out with no environmental damage. Minister Sonowal added that two other Indians were safe after a separate attack on another tanker took place on October 29. The identity of the attackers remains unknown.

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a US-based think tank, reported that maritime attacks in the waterway have reached their highest level since the Iran war began. According to Deutsche Welle, the Louise 1 had previously been hit by Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea due to claims it was part of a shadow fleet transporting Russian oil.

Amidst the tension, CBS News reported that President Trump believes the war with Iran will end "soon" as Qatari mediators attempt to broker a deal. These diplomatic efforts come just days before the U.S. midterm elections.

Background

The strike on the Louise 1 is the first known successful use of limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz since the war between the U.S. and Iran began in February.