Drones fell near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, injuring four people, as vessels were also struck in or near the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s escalating campaign to disrupt oil markets and regional air and maritime traffic.
The oil-rich Gulf region has borne the brunt of the attacks following the outbreak of war triggered by strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Tehran has since targeted US assets across the region while also striking civilian and energy infrastructure.
Iran has also intensified pressure on global energy supply routes by targeting Gulf energy facilities and disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a container ship and a bulk carrier were struck by unidentified projectiles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, one near Dubai and another off the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
A third vessel was also hit by a projectile off Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fire that was later extinguished, the UKMTO said.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones targeting the Shaybah oil field, a major production hub, while explosions were heard over Qatar and the UAE confirmed fresh attacks.
Saudi authorities also said seven ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom’s eastern region and the Prince Sultan Air Base were intercepted. The base hosts US forces, and an American service member was killed there in an earlier attack on March 1.
Analysts say Tehran appears to be attempting to cripple key Gulf refineries while tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz in a strategy aimed at inflicting maximum pressure on the global economy.
In recent days, Iran-linked strikes have targeted major energy facilities including Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, one of the largest in the Middle East, as well as the Ruwais refinery in the UAE, among the world’s biggest refining complexes.
The attacks have also forced QatarEnergy, one of the world’s leading producers of liquefied natural gas to halt production and declare force majeure on shipments.
Energy producers in Kuwait have issued similar declarations, warning that disruptions beyond their control could affect export commitments.
AFP
