Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr
| Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, Pakistan in the 2026 Iran war and 2026 Iran war | |
| Type | Naval operation |
| Location | |
| Planned by | Pakistan |
| Objective |
|
| Date | 9 March 2026 – present (2 weeks) |
| Executed by | Pakistan Armed Forces |
| Outcome | Ongoing |
Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr (Urdu: مُحافظ البحر, lit. 'Protector of the Sea') is a maritime security operation launched by the Pakistan Navy on 9 March 2026 to safeguard Pakistan's Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies to the country amidst the ongoing 2026 Iran war.[1][2][3]
Background
Pakistan imports approximately 90% of its oil from the Gulf region. The operation was triggered by the 2026 Iran war, during which the Iranian-US-Israeli conflict led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a 20% spike in domestic fuel prices. [4][5][6]
Scope of the operations
Nearly 90% of Pakistan's trade moves through maritime channels, while a large portion of its oil imports transit the Gulf before reaching Pakistani ports. Naval officials say the operation aims to prevent supply chain disruptions, especially to the energy sector, which has suffered due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. [7]
Pakistani reports state that the Navy's operation is defensive only with operations being limited mainly to secure and escort Pakistani flagged merchant vessels along key maritime routes through the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea regions rather than engaging in all out combat with the Iranians. [8][9]
The operation's first publicly reported escort mission involved two Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels. These tankers, carrying between 100 and 120 million litres of oil, arrived safely in Karachi after being escorted by Pakistan Navy warships from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.[10][11] The escort was conducted in coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry expressed gratitude to the Navy for ensuring the secure passage of the vessels.[12]
Deployed units
See also
- 2026 Iran war regional mobilizations
- Operation Atalanta
- Operation Aspides
- 1979 oil crisis
- Maritime Security Patrol Area
References
- ^ Khan, Bilal (9 March 2026). "Hormuz in the Crosshairs: How Pakistan is Shielding Its Trade from the US-Iran War". Quwa.
- ^ "Pakistan Navy launches 'Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr' to safeguard energy shipments". Geo News. 9 March 2026.
- ^ "Pak Navy launches 'Operation Muhafizul Bahr' against threats to shipping, trade amid Mideast crisis". Etribune. 9 March 2026.
- ^ Bokhari, Mubasher (7 March 2026). "Pakistan raises retail fuel prices by about 20% due to Middle East tension". Reuters.
- ^ "Opposition slams govt's 'inflation bomb' after fuel price hike, demands reversal". Dawn. 7 March 2026.
- ^ Hussain, Abid (10 March 2026). "Pakistan orders sweeping austerity measures as Iran war triggers oil crisis". Al jazeera.
- ^ Sohaib, Rija (12 March 2026). "Pakistan Navy Escorts Merchant Ships on National Sea Routes".
- ^ Yousaf, Kamran (12 March 2026). "Navy escort limited to national vessels' protection". Etribune.
- ^ "Pakistan navy begins ship escorts due to Gulf tensions". Arab News. 10 March 2026.
- ^ "PNSC vessels carrying oil reach Karachi under Pakistan Navy's escort". Geo News. 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Two crude oil ships reach Pakistan from UAE - Daily Times".
- ^ Zahra, Tuba (13 March 2026). "Pakistan Navy Escorts oil tankers to Karachi amid Gulf tensions".