Unidentified drones have reportedly targeted two Israeli oil tankers in the western and northwestern regions of the Maldives in recent days, causing significant damage through explosions, MEHR news agency reported quoting sources.
Initial reports indicate that both oil tankers were seriously damaged as a result of these attacks, as reported by Jordan News.
Originally, the plan was for these two oil tankers to navigate through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. Notably, the Yemeni army had previously issued threats to target Israeli ships and oil tankers in the Red Sea until the conclusion of the conflict in Gaza, the report mentioned.
However, contrary to expectations, the two aforementioned oil tankers were targeted by unidentified drones at a considerable distance of 2000 km from the Bab al-Mandab Strait. More significantly, both vessels were forced to change their course due to the inflicted damage and the fear of potential further attacks.
Israeli officials have refrained from confirming or denying these reports, citing various reasons for their reticence. The situation remains under investigation, and the outcome will determine any further actions or statements from Israeli authorities.
Pertinent to mention that aleast 22,438 Palestinians have been killed and 57,614 others injured in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since October 7, the territory’s health authorities said on Thursday.
“Children and women account for 70% of the victims,” Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement.
He added that 125 people had been killed and 318 others injured in Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours.
According to the spokesperson, 326 medics were killed, 121 ambulances destroyed and 30 hospitals and 53 health care centers forced out of service by the Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7. Al-Qudra said that 99 medics remain in Israeli detention.
