One person was killed following an attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf, Iraqi authorities said early Thursday.
The incident occurred in Iraqi territorial waters and constituted a violation of the country’s sovereignty, according to a military spokesman quoted by the state news agency INA.
The spokesman said six vessels were dispatched to assist the crews of the affected tankers after the attack.
A total of 38 crew members were recovered, including one who was confirmed dead.
Details about the circumstances of the attack or the identity of those responsible were not immediately provided.
Shipping in the Gulf region has faced repeated attacks since the outbreak of war in Iran, triggered by a U.S.-Israeli offensive on Feb. 28.
Iran has since launched missile and drone strikes across the region and is reported to have laid mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
This has disrupted commercial shipping and brought maritime traffic in the area close to a standstill.
