Iraq Rescues Oil Tanker Crew After Attack in Territorial Waters
Iraqi authorities announced early Thursday that they rescued the crew of a foreign oil tanker that was attacked in territorial waters off the southern coast of the country, as security tensions in Iraq escalate amid the ongoing war in the Middle East and increasing related attacks.
The Director General of the Iraqi Ports Company, Farhan Al-Fartousi, told the Iraqi News Agency that port crews managed to rescue the tanker crew, which numbers more than 20 individuals, after the ship was attacked in a manner that remains unclear.
One Crew Member Killed and Dozens Rescued
In a subsequent development, Iraqi authorities reported the death of one crew member from one of the oil tankers targeted in the attack off the Iraqi coast, while search operations for several missing individuals continue.
Al-Fartousi explained to the official Iraqi News Channel that one crew member from the large oil tanker that was attacked died, noting that authorities have not yet been able to determine the nature of the explosion that occurred in the two tankers.
The official channel aired footage of a ship at sea with fireballs and thick columns of smoke rising from it.
The Iraqi Ports Company reported that 38 individuals from the crew were rescued alive, while search operations for the missing continue.
U.S. Warning of Potential Attacks
This comes at a time when the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned of the possibility that Iran and Iraqi armed factions loyal to it are planning to target U.S. energy facilities within Iraq.
The embassy stated that information indicates that "Iranian-backed terrorist militias have targeted hotels frequented by Americans throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region."
Downing of Two Drones Near Conference Palace in Erbil
Simultaneously with these developments, a local security official announced the downing of two drones on Wednesday evening near a conference palace and a luxury hotel in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The official told AFP that the drones fell near the Saad Abdullah Conference Palace without causing any human injuries, adding that they fell in uninhabited areas.
One of the drones struck the facade of the conference palace, which usually hosts meetings and official events for decision-makers and authorities in the Kurdistan Region, causing material damage and breaking some windows, according to a source in the civil defense.
The palace is located in an upscale area of Erbil that sees a notable presence of foreigners, opposite a large hotel tower in the area.
The security source indicated that the defense system of the international coalition forces led by the United States, tasked with combating ISIS, managed to shoot down the drones.
Coalition advisors are stationed in Erbil within a military base located at the city's airport.
Explosions Near Erbil Airport
In other areas of Erbil, an AFP reporter reported hearing loud explosions near the city’s airport, while additional details regarding the nature of these explosions remain unclear.
Increase in Attacks Since Outbreak of War
Since the outbreak of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, the repercussions of the conflict have extended to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where the area has witnessed daily attacks claimed by Iran-aligned factions.
According to local authorities, more than 200 attacks have been recorded so far, most of which have been neutralized by air defense systems.
In a related context, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced on Tuesday that it targeted the American Harir base in the Kurdistan Region with five missiles.
