World·Middle East
Hormuz traffic at about 20% of pre-war levels as Iran claims at least 12 ships hit since the start of November
Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy said three ships were burning in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after trying to evade its blockade, and has reported at least 12 ships catching fire since the start of the month, The National reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor said it confirmed eight attacks in the strait and three in the Arabian Gulf over the past week, with three vessels sunk; few of Iran's claims have been independently confirmed, and the Institute for the Study of War said they likely seek to raise shippers' risk perceptions. Lloyd's List Intelligence puts traffic at about 20 percent of its pre-war level, and the UAE National Guard rescued 22 people from a burning cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The USS Theodore Roosevelt, a third U.S. carrier, is expected in the region this week.
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