Archive photo Credit: AFP via Getty Images

(CNN) -- The UAE Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the two national tankers (Mombasa and Bahia) were targeted by two Iranian cruise missiles in the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.

The ministry said in a statement on platform X (formerly Twitter): 'The targeting resulted in the death of a crew member of the tanker Mombasa of Indian nationality, and the injury of 8, including 4 serious injuries (6 of Indian nationality and 2 of Ukrainian nationality), as well as material damage to the two tankers due to a fire that broke out on them, and the fire on the two tankers was brought under control.'

The Defense Ministry, in its statement, condemned this 'brazen attack which constitutes a serious violation and a clear breach of international law and threatens the security and stability of the region,' stressing that 'the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, and residents, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its interests and national assets.'

The ministry affirmed that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security and stability of the state.

The UAE Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack and offered condolences to India.

The ministry said: 'Commercial navigation and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for pressure or economic blackmail is considered piracy, and poses a direct threat to the stability of the region and its peoples, as well as global energy security.'