Maritime Security Environment Remains at Critical Threat Level
The maritime security environment across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman remains at a “CRITICAL” threat level, according to the latest advisory issued Thursday by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), which warns that attacks on commercial shipping are becoming both more frequent and geographically widespread.
The new JMIC Update 12 advisory highlights three additional vessel strikes within the past 24 hours, bringing the number of reported maritime security incidents in the region to more than 20 since hostilities began on February 28. Crucially, analysts say the pattern of attacks does not appear to selectively target Western-owned vessels, suggesting the campaign is aimed at broad disruption of maritime traffic rather than politically targeted strikes against specific operators or national flags.
Attacks Expanding Beyond Shipping Lanes
The advisory also warns that attacks are no longer limited to vessels transiting chokepoints, marking a significant shift in the operational threat environment. Recent incidents indicate that strikes may occur across a much broader operating area of the Arabian Gulf, including anchorages, port approaches, and offshore operations such as ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, according to the report.
That evolving pattern was reflected in the latest incidents: Tanker ZEFYROS – struck by projectiles while conducting an STS transfer about 5 nautical miles south of Al Basrah, Iraq, leaving the vessel adrift after a fire. Container ship SOURCE BLESSING – struck by a projectile while anchored about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali, UAE, causing a fire onboard but no reported injuries.
Maritime Conflict Expands
Since the start of the conflict on March 1, the JMIC has recorded more than twenty attacks and maritime security incidents involving commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure across the region. The incidents span a wide range of vessel types—including tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, tugboats, and offshore energy installations—highlighting the breadth of the threat.
Among the vessels affected in recent days: SAFEEN PRESTIGE , a container ship damaged in the Strait of Hormuz after a suspected explosive attack. SONANGOL NAMIBE , a tanker hit by an explosion that damaged its cargo hold and caused an oil leak in the northern Arabian Gulf. ONE MAJESTY , a container ship struck by a projectile causing structural damage.
Shipping Traffic Near Standstill
At the same time, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints—has nearly collapsed. AIS monitoring cites a significant reduction in vessel transits, with some reports indicating that only a handful of vessels are currently navigating the strait.
Original Article: Gulf Ship Attacks Show No Pattern of Western Targeting as Strikes Spread Beyond Hormuz — Gcaptain