Security Overview
The Panama-flagged tanker NEW ANDROS was struck in Iraqi territorial waters on September 9, 2026. Port officials described the weapon as a drone, while Iraq's Oil Ministry said the strike came from an unidentified source. A fire and minor hull damage were reported. All 22 crew members were reported safe, and officials said no cargo leaked into the water.
Security Situation & Developments
The tanker was being used to store about two million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil. Iraqi rescue boats extinguished the onboard fire. The Oil Ministry said the hull damage was limited and that authorities had opened an investigation to determine the source and cause of the strike. Because the ministry did not identify an attacker, attribution remains unconfirmed despite the drone assessment reported by port officials.
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