"24 Ships Attacked in Hormuz Over Two Weeks… Most Since War Began"

▲ The Strait of Hormuz on Oct. 13 (local time)

The number of vessels attacked by Iranian missiles, drones, and other means in and around the Strait of Hormuz has risen to its highest level since the war began in February, the British daily Financial Times reported on the 13th (local time).

According to data compiled by the newspaper from UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) records and European security officials, 24 vessels were attacked over the two-week period up to the 11th.

This is the highest number since the war broke out following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

The next highest was 13 ships during the first two weeks of March.

On Sunday, the 11th alone, 6 ships were attacked, which also marks the highest single-day total since the war began.

Citing maritime security firm Vanguard, the FT reported that three of them were refined product tankers, two others were crude oil tankers belonging to China's New Treasure Shipping and South Korea's Sinokor Petrochem.

An Indian container ship was also attacked.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S. think tank, stated, "Iran may be developing its anti-ship missile capabilities to enhance its ability to strike vessels."

According to energy intelligence firm Kpler, 2.9 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the 11th, the lowest volume so far this month.

While Kpler explained that this figure could be revised upward based on satellite tracking results, the average transport volume over the past seven days was about 43% lower than pre-war levels.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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