Bhubaneswar, March 15 -- At least 17 vessels have been attacked in key West Asia shipping lanes over the past two weeks amid the ongoing regional conflict, with the maritime threat level now described as "critical," according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incidents occurred between March 1 and March 14 in and around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, according to a report cited by international media.

At least one person, an Indian national, was killed during the attacks after a vessel identified as MKD VYOM was struck by a projectile in the Gulf of Oman. Several other vessels were targeted by drones and projectiles, including tankers and container ships operating across the regi...