Iraqi sources say explosive boat used in tanker attack off Iraq

An explosive-laden remotely controlled boat believed to be Iranian was used to damage an oil tanker anchored in Iraqi waters, according to Iraqi port security sources.

Two officials from the Iraqi port security service told Iran International that the attack targeted the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe, which was carrying crude oil at the time of the incident.

The sources said the small unmanned boat, packed with explosives, detonated after colliding with the vessel while it was anchored off Iraq’s coast.

They described the incident as the first recorded attack inside Iraq’s exclusive economic zone, warning that it signals an escalation of threats facing commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf.

On Thursday, March 5, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that a US vessel had been struck in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and was on fire, though it did not provide further details.

By Tamilla Hasanova