Drone Strikes Spark Explosions on Cargo Vessel in Gulf

In a dramatic incident southeast of Iraq's Umm Qasr, two explosions rocked a cargo vessel, with one attributed to a drone attack. Iraqi officials confirmed the attacks, which were initially reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Aboard the vessel, a fire was controlled later. Responsibility for the attack remains unclear.

Devdiscourse News Desk | (Adds Quote From Iraq Maritime Patrol In Paragraph 5) Baghdad | Updated: 01-06-2026 23:49 IST | Created: 01-06-2026 23:49 IST

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A cargo vessel at sea, southeast of Iraq's Umm Qasr, was struck by two explosions, one confirmed to have been a drone attack, according to reports from Iraqi officials on Monday.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations had earlier indicated that the vessel suffered damage from a projectile, resulting in a significant blast on its starboard side, before the second drone-related explosion.

The fire sparked by the blasts was brought under control, but officials reveal that no group has claimed responsibility and details about the ship remain undisclosed.

(With inputs from agencies.)