A tanker sailing off the northern coast of Qatar was struck by multiple projectiles, leaving casualties among those on board, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

UKMTO said the incident occurred approximately 51 nautical miles (94 kilometres) north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar.

According to the agency, the tanker reported being hit by multiple projectiles, and casualties were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, while no further details have been released regarding the number or condition of those affected.

Following the attack, UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to proceed with caution and immediately report any suspicious activity to maritime security authorities.

The agency did not identify the vessel, specify the type or origin of the projectiles, or attribute responsibility for the attack.

The incident comes amid a recent increase in attacks targeting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.

Although most recent incidents have occurred in or near the Strait of Hormuz, the latest attack took place farther west in Gulf waters off Qatar, an area that has seen relatively few reported attacks in recent weeks.

Maritime security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as heightened regional tensions raise concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the uninterrupted flow of energy exports through Gulf waters.(ILKHA)