ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vowed to take “all necessary measures” after two of its national oil tankers were struck by what it said were Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, an attack that killed one crew member and injured eight others.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted while sailing through Omani territorial waters.
The Ministry of Defence announces that the national tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.
The attack resulted in the death of one Indian… pic.twitter.com/i1HrXY0fKP
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) July 13, 2026
According to the ministry, the attack claimed the life of an Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker. Eight others were injured, including four who sustained serious wounds. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals.
The missile strikes also caused significant material damage to both vessels after fires broke out on board. The ministry said the fires have since been brought under control.
Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, the UAE described the attack as a “blatant assault” and a “serious violation and clear breach of international law”, warning that it poses a direct threat to regional security and stability.
The ministry stressed that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to what it called a dangerous escalation. It said the country would take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its citizens and residents, and defend its national interests.
It further stated that the armed forces remain at the highest level of operational readiness and are fully prepared to confront any threat that could undermine the country’s security and stability.
The ministry also urged the public to rely solely on official sources for updates and to avoid sharing rumours or unverified information.
The reported attack comes amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
Any disruption in the waterway carries significant implications for international shipping and regional security.
