Bahamas-Flagged Crude Oil Tanker Hit by Blast Near Iraq's Khor al-Zubair Port

A Bahamas-flagged crude oil tanker, Sonangol Namibe, was struck by a blast near Iraq's Khor al-Zubair port early March 5. The vessel's operator reported a likely hull breach as a port ballast tank was taking on water, though the ship remained stable and afloat. No casualties were reported, and the tanker was not carrying cargo. An Iraqi security source confirmed the incident, which caused an oil spill. Investigations are ongoing, with no group claiming responsibility.