A Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier was struck by unidentified objects in the Gulf on Friday evening, the Qatar Gas Transport Company said, in the latest blow to commercial shipping in the region.
The company named the vessel as the Al Mayeda and said in a Sunday statement that none of the crew was injured and that no environmental damage had been reported. It added that the ship is in a safe, operational condition while the impact of the incident is still being assessed. The statement was published through the Qatar Stock Exchange.
Doha’s response
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation, calling the strike a dangerous act that threatens the safety of maritime navigation and the security of global energy supplies. It also warned of regional repercussions from what it described as reckless and irresponsible practices.
The ministry said investigations are under way to determine the circumstances of the incident and to identify those responsible. Qatar, it added, reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its property and safeguard its interests.
Wider shipping risk in the Gulf
The attack comes amid a broader pattern of assaults on commercial vessels since a US–Israel war with Iran began in February. Data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations put the number of commercial ships hit since the conflict started at more than 120.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war and has repeatedly warned that vessels trying to pass without its permission would face destruction. Strikes on shipping have risen since the United States reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July. October was the worst month so far, with at least 29 ships hit, ahead of the 20 attacks recorded in March.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- February: The US–Israel war with Iran begins; Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz early in the conflict.
- March: Twenty attacks on commercial shipping are recorded.
- July: The United States reimposes a blockade on Iran’s southern ports; attacks on vessels increase.
- October: At least 29 ships are hit, the highest monthly total of the war so far.
- Friday evening: Unidentified objects strike the Qatar LNG carrier Al Mayeda in the Gulf.
- Sunday: Qatar Gas Transport Company says the crew is unhurt, there is no reported environmental damage, and the ship remains operational; Doha condemns the attack and opens an investigation.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Qatar ki ek LNG — yani liquefied natural gas — ki bari jahaz Al Mayeda ko Gulf mein Friday shaam ko kisi anjani cheezon se maara gaya. Jahaz ki crew theek hai aur jahaz abhi chal sakta hai. Qatar ne is hamlay ki sakhti se muzammat ki hai kyunke is se duniya ki energy supply aur samandar ke raaston ko khatra ho sakta hai. Pakistan jaisi mulkon ke liye Gulf se gas aur fuel aana mehfooz rehna bohot zaroori hai.
