Seven oil tankers were reportedly damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Thursday, as stated by Iran’s state television and reported by the Press Trust of India. This incident, if confirmed, would mark the highest number of vessels affected in a single day since the onset of the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began on February 28.

According to a statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s navy, four of the tankers caught fire while transferring oil, and three others were rendered immobile after allegedly striking naval mines. The report did not specify the flags of the affected vessels or any potential casualties resulting from the incidents.

Furthermore, the Revolutionary Guard issued a warning that it could target US military bases in the region if the United States attempted to facilitate the passage of oil tankers through alternative routes in the strait. The Revolutionary Guard has a history of targeting US bases in Gulf countries throughout the duration of the conflict, as reported by PTI.

Developments in Yemen and Saudi Arabia

In a related context, Yemen’s Defence Ministry announced on Thursday that rallies and mobilisation programmes organised by the Houthi movement would be regarded as legitimate military targets. This warning was directed at residents of areas under Houthi control, urging them to refrain from participating in such events.

This announcement represents a significant escalation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and poses risks for civilians residing in those regions. The ministry’s statement highlighted that these gatherings, often referred to by the Houthis as “cultural courses,” serve as a primary means for the group to mobilise supporters and recruit individuals, including children, for combat.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia reported that the death toll from an attack on King Fahd International Airport had risen to two. A Saudi citizen and an Indian national residing in the kingdom were killed, with eight others sustaining injuries during the attack that occurred late on Wednesday. Saudi authorities have not disclosed the identity of the perpetrators or provided further details regarding the incident.

Israeli Forces Raid in Southern Syria

In Syria, a disabled civilian was reportedly killed during an Israeli forces raid in the village of Jamla, located in the southern province of Daraa. The state news agency SANA reported the incident but did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances of the man’s death. The Israeli military has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Israel has maintained control over a UN-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, following a rapid rebel offensive. Although Jamla is situated outside the Israeli-occupied zone, Israeli forces frequently conduct operations in areas beyond this boundary.

The overall situation encompasses several significant developments, including the reported damage to seven tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen’s warning regarding Houthi gatherings, the fatalities resulting from the Saudi airport attack, and the killing of a disabled civilian during the Israeli raid in southern Syria. These incidents reflect the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex interplay of military actions involving various parties.

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