Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Aug 4: A cargo vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday.

According to the British maritime security agency, the incident occurred about 20 nautical miles (37 km) northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.

The UKMTO said the vessel, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported being hit by an unidentified projectile. The agency did not provide details on the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties or injuries.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and no further information has been released so far regarding the source of the projectile or the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime routes, serving as a key transit point for global oil and commercial shipping. The latest incident is likely to heighten concerns over maritime security in the region.