Oil tanker hits unidentified object in southern Red Sea, UKMTO says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday that an oil tanker struck an unidentified object in the southern Red Sea, with initial reports indicating the vessel and its crew were safe and no damage or injuries were reported. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the object or identified any party responsible for the incident. UKMTO said the circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the relevant authorities. The agency issued no further details on the vessel's identity, flag, owner or cargo. The incident comes amid a series of maritime events in the Red Sea linked to tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement. Saudi Arabia's state news agency SPA reported on Friday that a Saudi-owned ship was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire at the bow. The Houthis said on Wednesday evening that they had struck two Saudi oil tankers with ballistic missiles and drones, saying fires broke out on both vessels.