Iraq has temporarily suspended operations at all its fuel ports following an attack on oil tankers off the country's coast. A government official confirmed that commercial ports remain open. The head of Iraq’s General Company for Ports, Farhan al-Fartousi, told local media that one crew member was killed and 38 others were rescued. The state news agency INA reported that search operations continue for missing individuals.

According to Iraqi port security officials, two foreign fuel tankers were attacked by explosive-laden boats, causing fires on both vessels. Al-Fartousi said one of the tankers was struck while loading fuel and that a smaller Maltese-flagged tanker suffered an explosion. It remains unclear whether the blast resulted from a direct strike or a remotely controlled explosive boat. The tankers were about 30 miles, or 48 kilometers, from Iraq’s coast at the time of the incident.

Iraq’s government media cell described the incident as a sabotage attack, and investigations are ongoing to determine the method and perpetrators.