Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Dubai, Aug 27: The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) on Thursday maintained its regional maritime threat level at severe, following a confirmed attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and continued security risks along key shipping routes in the Middle East.
In its Update 090, covering the period from March 1 to August 27, 2026, JMIC reported that the tanker AL SALAM II was attacked while travelling eastbound through the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel was struck above the waterline, resulting in a small hole and a fire. The crew managed to extinguish the blaze and all crew members were reported safe. No environmental impact was reported, while tug assistance was expected.
Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued at significantly reduced levels. Independent tracking indicated that only single-digit numbers of vessels were transiting the waterway in each direction.
JMIC also reported continued attempted attacks, harassment of merchant vessels, unmanned aerial vehicle overflights, surveillance of commercial shipping and occasional VHF radio hailing in the area.
The maritime centre warned that the risk posed by drifting or uncharted mines remained in and around the traffic separation scheme, with designated mine danger areas still active.
No confirmed attacks or disruptions were reported in the Arabian Gulf during the latest 48-hour reporting period. However, recurring Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference and broader regional military activity continued to warrant caution, JMIC said.
In the Gulf of Oman, commercial shipping traffic remained stable, although naval activity was elevated amid enforcement of a blockade.
Citing the latest available US Central Command figures from August 24, JMIC said 71 commercial vessels had been redirected, three had been disabled and two had been boarded for compliance verification.
Vessels operating in the area were advised to respond promptly to military queries and keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on unless security concerns made this impossible.
Operators were also advised to remain cautious due to regional strike activity and continued monitoring of merchant shipping in adjacent waters.
The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden recorded no confirmed attacks or disruptions during the reporting period, with commercial shipping continuing to operate without major interruption.
However, traffic through the Southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb remained below normal levels. JMIC linked the reduced traffic to conditions following the July 20 Houthi declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and earlier confirmed attacks on vessels in the region.
No new attacks or disruptions were reported off the Somali coast or in the Somali Basin. However, six merchant vessels remained held as of the reporting date.
The vessels were MT HONOUR 25, MV SWARD, MT EUREKA, MT ASIANA, MV LUTFU and MT SEAMULL (SIBU 1).
In the Northern Red Sea and Suez Canal, JMIC reported no confirmed attacks or security incidents during the period.
Traffic in the Northern Red Sea remained sensitive to security threats, resulting in day-to-day fluctuations, while the Suez Canal continued to record steady tanker movements and selective returns of container vessels.
The approaches to the Suez Canal remained operational in both directions, with no systemic disruption or large-scale diversion of shipping reported.
Persistent GNSS interference was detected near Yanbu, although JMIC said it had not affected overall traffic flows.
The Eastern Mediterranean also recorded no confirmed attacks or disruptions during the latest reporting period.
JMIC advised maritime operators to maintain heightened vigilance across the region in view of continuing military activity, threats to commercial shipping, navigation interference and the possibility of further incidents along strategic maritime routes.