United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a statement regarding the tanker fires in the Persian Gulf.

UKMTO reported an incident 5 nautical miles south of Basra, within the territorial waters of Iraq. A third party indicated that two fuel tankers were struck by an unknown projectile.

The Company Security Officer (CSO) of one of the vessels confirmed the strike caused a fire onboard, but said the crew had been evacuated and are safe. Authorities are still working to identify the second vessel involved.

No environmental damage has been reported so far. UKMTO advised ships in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.