Kuwait's state oil company, KPC, announced today via the national news agency KUNA that the "Kuwaiti Al Salmi crude carrier was deliberately attacked by Iran while anchored at Dubai port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)".

The attack caused a fire and hull damage to the Al Salmi. The vessel, fully loaded with oil, faced a risk of spilling oil into the surrounding waters. All 24 crew members evacuated safely, with no casualties reported.

Kuwait's Al Salmi oil tanker. Photo: X/Osinttechnical

Dubai authorities confirmed a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle - UAV) incident involving a Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai waters. The Dubai Media Office announced that "marine firefighting teams are working to control the blaze".

Iranian officials have not yet commented on the accusation.

Location of Kuwait and Gulf countries. Graphic: Guardian

Kuwait has experienced a series of attacks since the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran escalated in late February. On the night of 28/3, the Kuwaiti military detected 14 missiles and 12 UAVs entering its airspace. Some weapons targeted military bases in the country, injuring 10 soldiers.

On 31/3, the Kuwaiti military also announced that its air defense forces were responding to "hostile drone and missile attacks".

By Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)