Qatar suspends maritime navigation, marine activities amid heightened security concerns

Doha, July 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) Qatar's Ministry of Transport on Sunday announced a temporary suspension of maritime navigation and all marine activities as a precautionary measure to safeguard public safety.

In a statement, the ministry advised owners and users of all maritime vessels, including leisure boats, fishing boats, jet skis, and other watercraft, to temporarily suspend sailing and all marine activities until further notice.

The ministry said the measure does not apply to vessels operating under international maritime conventions, Xinhua news agency reported.

It added that the precautionary measure was taken in coordination with the relevant security authorities, urging the public to comply with the directive and obtain updates only through official channels.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, has strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks targeting its territory and several neighbouring countries, describing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.

Meanwhile, the US-led Joint Maritime Information Centre said on Sunday that despite Iran announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the southern route along the Omani coast remains available and has been expanded to accommodate two-way traffic.

The advisory, released by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, cited additional information from the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), which said the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and is not subject to coercion or control by any single nation.

"Despite Iran's claims that the Strait is closed, US forces are prepared to maintain freedom of navigation and safeguard lawful commerce," NAVCENT said, adding that the southern route through the Strait remains open.

According to the advisory, the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains "severe." It also warned mariners to remain aware of a mine danger area within the traditional Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).

Following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the traditional TSS in the Strait of Hormuz became unsuitable for navigation due to the mine threat.

Following the signing of an MoU between the United States and Iran, two alternative transit routes effectively emerged: a northern route controlled by Iran and a southern route along the Omani coast, where U.S. forces provide navigation support and coordination.

Source: IANS