Seven tankers were reportedly damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Thursday, October 22, amid the ongoing Iran war, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and global oil supplies. Iranian state television reported that four tankers caught fire after being targeted, while three other vessels were disabled after striking naval mines.
Citing a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy, the broadcaster said the incidents could represent the largest number of vessels damaged in the strategic waterway in a single day since the war began on February 28, 2026. However, details about the vessels' flags and possible casualties were not immediately available.
The Revolutionary Guard also warned that it could target US military bases in the region if Washington attempted to facilitate oil tanker movements through other parts of the strait.
Yemen Warns Against Houthi Gatherings
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Yemen's Defence Ministry warned that Houthi rallies and mobilisation programmes could be treated as legitimate military targets. The announcement cautioned residents in Houthi-controlled areas against attending such events.
The ministry alleged that gatherings described by the Iran-backed Houthi movement as cultural courses were used to recruit supporters and children for combat. Any deliberate attacks on civilians could raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law, depending on the circumstances.
Saudi Airport Attack Death Toll Rises
Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority said the death toll from an attack on King Fahd International Airport had risen to two. A Saudi citizen and an Indian national living in the kingdom were killed, while eight others were injured in the incident late Wednesday.
Saudi authorities had not identified those responsible, and the Houthi movement had not issued a statement claiming responsibility. The airport is located in eastern Saudi Arabia, near Bahrain and Qatar.
Civilian Killed During Israeli Raid in Syria
In southern Syria, a disabled civilian was reportedly killed during an Israeli forces raid on the village of Jamla in Daraa province, according to Syrian state media. Details surrounding the death were not provided, and the Israeli military had not immediately commented.
Israel has maintained control over a UN-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria since the ousting of former president Bashar Assad in December 2024. Israeli forces have also frequently entered areas beyond the occupied zone.
The developments underline the widening regional risks, with reported tanker damage, threats against military targets and civilian casualties adding to concerns over the conflict's broader consequences.
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