Russia launched a large overnight attack on energy facilities in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, according to information from the Russian Defence Ministry reported by Interfax. Moscow also said it struck port infrastructure in the Odesa region and vessels it described as being used for military purposes.
The US confirmed that it struck Iran’s Qeshm island on Monday night, in an operation carried out hours before Americans began voting in the midterm elections. The US Central Command confirmed the attack after it was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
US officials cited by the newspaper described the strikes as defensive operations intended to limit Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Other US officials, cited by several media outlets, said the attack was in response to the downing of a US military aircraft in the region.
Qeshm lies at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and is home to an underground missile facility, a naval base and a major desalination plant, according to the report.
Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged parties involved in Middle Eastern conflicts to resume dialogue and protect energy supplies and maritime routes. Speaking at a meeting on Monday with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohamed al-Aiban, Wang called for disputes to be resolved through negotiations and offered China’s help in easing tensions.
Sources: Observador.