The Strait of Hormuz witnessed an unprecedented increase in attacks on commercial vessels in October, with the number of these attacks reaching 28. This information has been collected based on data from a Washington-based think tank that has been examining maritime security incidents since 2017.
Increase in Attacks and Its Consequences
Noam Riyadan, a senior expert at this think tank, stated that October recorded the highest number of attacks on ships in recorded history. The total number of attacks on ships since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran on February 28 has reached 113. This statistic indicates a peak of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters.
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Additionally, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reported 120 incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East since the start of this conflict. The organization has also stated that over 30 large tankers, particularly 11 tankers in October, have been damaged as a result of these attacks.
Factors and Motivations Behind the Attacks
Analysts believe that Iran is intensifying these attacks in an effort to hinder the return of ships to global markets and maintain pressure on global energy markets. According to Riyadan, this trend may escalate further in light of the U.S. midterm elections in November.
In recent weeks, between October 5 and 11, a dozen ships were targeted in attacks, marking the highest weekly number of attacks since the onset of these conflicts. Advisors in Greece have declared this period as the most intense time for maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz since tensions escalated in March.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has also recorded 135 incidents related to U.S.-Iran conflicts by October 16, stating that due to insufficient reporting from ship owners, there is not a complete understanding of the current situation. Data from this organization also indicates a significant increase in damages to ships in October.
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