An oil tanker was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Thursday night, amid reports of multiple maritime incidents in the strategic waterway.

According to the UKMTO, the vessel was targeted in the southern part of the strait. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identity of those responsible and the extent of any damage, were not immediately clear.

The report comes amid further reports of vessels striking naval mines and exploding in the southern section of the Strait of Hormuz over the past several hours. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through one of the world's most important maritime routes.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to maritime traffic in the waterway could have significant implications for international energy markets and shipping operations.

The UKMTO has not publicly identified the tanker or confirmed whether the latest incident resulted in casualties, an oil spill or a disruption to the vessel's operations.

Further details are expected as authorities investigate the reported attack. (ILKHA)