South Korea investigates potential attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz
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South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Monday that they are investigating reports of a suspected attack on a South Korean-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident reportedly occurred as the United States initiated "Project Freedom," a military operation designed to escort trapped commercial ships through the blockaded waterway.
"We are verifying intelligence that a South Korean vessel may have been struck by an external impact," a government official stated during a press briefing.
While the government confirmed it had received reports of an explosion or strike, the Foreign Ministry clarified that no casualties among the crew -which includes South Korean nationals- have been confirmed at this time.
Impact on South Korean shipping
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for South Korea, which relies on the passage for the vast majority of its energy imports. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, 26 South Korean-flagged vessels and over 120 Korean seafarers are currently positioned in the high-risk zone.
Government agencies, including the Defense Ministry and the Coast Guard, have been placed on high alert as authorities work to determine whether the damage was caused by a targeted strike or a drifting sea mine.
