Tanker Hit Off Qatar in Renewed Wave of Gulf Attacks After 9-Day Lull

A fuel oil tanker chartered by QatarEnergy has been struck by a missile in waters off Qatar, marking a sharp escalation in maritime attacks and pushing the threat envelope closer to one of the world’s most critical LNG export hubs.

QatarEnergy confirmed that the tanker Aqua 1 was hit in the early hours of April 1 while operating in northern Qatari territorial waters. The company said no crew members were injured and no pollution has been reported.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel was struck by two projectiles approximately 17 nautical miles north of Ras Laffan. One impact caused