Saudis say 2 oil tankers damaged in sabotage attack

RIYADH (AA) – Saudi Arabia said Monday two oil tankers were hit by a sabotage attack off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the attack had caused “significant damage” to the structure of the two vessels, but without causing any casualties or oil spill, according to the official SPA news agency.

This attack “aims to undermine the freedom of maritime navigation and the security of oil supplies to consumers all over the world,” he said.

According to the Saudi minister, one of the vessels was en route to be loaded with crude oil to the U.S.

He, however, did not give details about the party responsible for the attack.

Monday’s attack came one day after the UAE said four commercial ships were hit by sabotage attacks off the coast of the port city of Fujairah.