South Korean cargo ship struck by dual drone attack in Hormuz

• A South Korean-flagged cargo vessel was targeted by two "unidentified" drones early Sunday morning while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed physical damage to the ship’s hull, though no casualties were reported among the crew.

Authorities in South Korea announced on Sunday, that a national cargo vessel came under aerial fire while navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

According to preliminary reports, the vessel was struck by two suicide drones of unknown origin.

The impact caused noticeable structural damage to the ship's exterior, but the ministry emphasized that all crew members remained uninjured and the vessel’s propulsion systems were not critically compromised.

Seoul’s diplomatic and security response

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul issued an immediate statement confirming they are in direct communication with the ship's owners and regional maritime authorities.

"We are working to determine the full circumstances of the attack and ensure the safety of our maritime navigation in the region," a ministry spokesperson stated.

South Korea has reportedly requested the assistance of international naval coalitions operating in the area to provide escort for the damaged vessel as it proceeds to a safe harbor.

Rising maritime insecurity

This attack is the latest in a rapid succession of maritime incidents on Sunday that have targeted vessels linked to various nations, including Qatar and the UAE. The targeting of a South Korean vessel -a major energy consumer- raises international alarms regarding the stability of global supply chains.

As the tension continues to spill into the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz has become a frontline of economic warfare, with Tehran previously warning that countries cooperating with US-led sanctions would face "difficulty" transiting the waterway.