Iraq Says Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker Hit in Territorial Waters, No Injuries or Spill

Iraq's Transport Ministry said a Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying fuel was struck by an unidentified object at 5:30 a.m. local time on September 9 in Iraqi territorial waters, damaging the vessel but causing no injuries or cargo leak, according to Jiemian News. The ministry said Iraqi security and maritime authorities isolated the ship, kept it under monitoring, and carried out inspections of surrounding waters to check for fuel leakage, other damage and any risks to navigation safety or the marine environment. It said the incident is under investigation, including the source of the attack and the cause. Earlier reports from Iraqi sources said a foreign tanker flying the Panama flag was hit by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters during a ship-to-ship transfer operation, sparking a fire and damaging part of the hull; the vessel was carrying crude oil.