Newly released satellite images show the widening of the early October oil tanker spill off the shores of the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates.

While authorities have not confirmed what caused the spill or which tanker it came from, shipping sources say it was struck by an “unidentified projectile.”

Experts believe the affected tanker was the Gem No.2.

Authorities temporarily closed all beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al Quwain since Oct. 23 as oil reached closer to the shorelines.

Efforts are underway to contain the leak, according to the UAE.

The UAE’s Climate Change and Environment Ministry will assess the environmental impacts.

Attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf waters have been on the rise since the US- and Israeli-led conflict with Iran.

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