Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 17: Iranian drones and at least one missile reportedly targeted a US-contracted vessel near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, injuring several crew members and further raising tensions in the strategically important waterway, according to US media reports.

Fox News, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that four Iranian drones and at least one missile were involved in the attack. One of the projectiles reportedly struck the vessel while it was navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident resulted in minor injuries among crew members, including cases of smoke inhalation. Those injured were reportedly receiving medical treatment in an unspecified Gulf country. Several US personnel were also aboard the vessel at the time of the incident.

The reported attack comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran following months of military conflict. The fighting has also affected commercial shipping activity around the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the US military said it had destroyed two small Iranian boats after they allegedly attempted to seize a US unmanned surface vessel while it was operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the Iranian boats attempted to take possession of a US unmanned surface vessel but were unsuccessful after US forces responded.

The unmanned vessel, identified as a Saildrone, is approximately 25 feet (8 metres) long and can operate autonomously. The US military has used such vessels in the region to monitor maritime traffic.

Hawkins said all unmanned surface vessels operated by US Central Command remained accounted for. The US military has previously said the technology used in the Saildrones is commercially available and does not contain sensitive technology.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world's petroleum and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass.