By Aurax Desk | April 01, 2026 | 2 min read
An oil tanker near Qatar has been struck by projectiles, one of which remains unexploded, in the latest escalation of attacks on shipping routes amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Shipping traffic moves through Gulf waters near Qatar, a critical route for global energy supplies.hipping traffic moves through Gulf waters near Qatar, a critical route for global energy supplies.
An oil tanker has been hit by projectiles off the coast of Qatar, marking the latest in a series of attacks targeting vessels in the strategically vital Persian Gulf.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was struck approximately 17 nautical miles north of Qatar. One projectile caused a fire that was later extinguished, while a second remained lodged in the ship and unexploded, prompting ongoing safety concerns.
Authorities confirmed that the tanker sustained damage above the waterline but that all crew members were safe, with no reported injuries or environmental impact.
Qatar’s defence ministry said the incident was part of a broader missile attack, with multiple projectiles launched toward the country. Two were intercepted, while one struck the tanker, highlighting growing risks to energy infrastructure in the region.
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Map showing the waters off Qatar where an oil tanker was struck by projectiles amid rising tensions in the Gulf.
Oil tanker sails in Gulf waters
The attack comes amid escalating conflict tied to the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and regional allies. Maritime security agencies have warned that threats to shipping in the Persian Gulf and nearby waterways remain high, with vessels advised to exercise extreme caution.
Recent weeks have seen multiple incidents involving tankers and cargo ships being struck or narrowly missed by projectiles in the region, raising concerns about global energy supplies and the safety of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
Sources: Reuters, AP News, Al Jazeera