The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has alleged that four commercial vessels were “subjected to sabotage” on Sunday.

The incident took place near the UAE’s territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for crude exports.

“The carrying out of sabotage on commercial and civilian vessels and threatening the safety and lives of those on board is a serious development,” said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.