Tanker attacked north of Qatar as shipping concerns resurface
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a tanker was hit by multiple projectiles about 94 kilometres north of Qatar’s Madinat ash Shamal. The report indicated casualties without specifying their number, and no responsibility for the attack was announced. The incident follows a rise in attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf.
Significance
Such attacks raise insurance and transport costs and leave energy supplies vulnerable to disruption even when export volumes improve.
US report puts Iran-war aircraft losses as high as $3.3bn
A report by the US Congressional Budget Office found that at least 81 US military aircraft had been lost or damaged in the war with Iran as of August 1. It estimated their cost at between $1.9bn and $3.3bn; the aircraft included fighters, aerial refuelling planes and 45 Reaper drones.
Context
The figures highlight the material cost of the war and the capacity of drones and less expensive weapons to deplete costly military equipment.
Ukraine: Dozens killed as buses are struck in Kramatorsk
At least 30 people were killed and 18 wounded, according to figures reported by regional authorities, when a Russian strike hit two passenger buses in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on October 8. Public transport services in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk were suspended after the attack amid growing strikes on transport and logistics networks.
Context
Attacks on transport make civilian movement and the delivery of goods and services more dangerous as fighting continues near the city.
