2 tankers burn after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

Two tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Friday, as Tehran also reported intercepting a U.S. drone near Qeshm Island. The IRGC accused both tankers of switching off navigation and identification systems and sailing through what it called an unauthorized route with U.S. military support. A day earlier, other reports said more vessels had been affected along the waterway that is a vital artery for global oil supplies. UKMTO recorded at least five ships reporting incidents since Nov. 1, including one vessel hit by two projectiles on Nov. 4. The series of events shows tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have not eased even as Qatar mediates talks between Iran and others to halt hostilities.