Egypt’s government is conducting a thorough analysis of drone fragments following an unprecedented attack on the nation’s Mediterranean port, Damietta. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed serious concerns about potential regional escalation in the aftermath of a fire that broke out on two gas vessels, one of which is US-owned. This incident marks the first drone strike to target Egypt since recent tensions in the Middle East intensified.
Officials confirmed that the fire at Damietta port was caused by a drone attack, prompting a cautionary approach as they navigate the situation. Al-Sisi, in his initial response, highlighted the “danger of regional escalation” during a conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that technical teams are investigating the attack and have begun examining the fragments from the drone to determine its origin. The strike bears resemblance to other drone attacks that have affected Egypt’s Gulf and Arab allies amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referred to Egypt as an “important friend and partner in the region,” hinting at the possibility of the strike being a false-flag operation carried out by Israel. Meanwhile, Houthi leaders in Yemen have dismissed claims of their involvement, labeling such reports as “unfounded rumors.”
While there is rampant speculation surrounding the incident, Madbouly emphasized that the government will not rely on unverified theories. Egypt, maintaining its role as a peacemaker in the regional conflict, has faced increased pressure but is unlikely to shift its position significantly.
In light of these events, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reached out to counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Kuwait, advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing tensions.
Madbouly detailed the timeline of the incident, stating that his office was notified around 2:20 PM on Wednesday after both gas vessels ignited. The vessels involved were identified as the Energos Winter storage and re-gasification vessel and the GasLog Salem tanker. To manage the situation, both vessels were separated and towed into open water to mitigate the risk of a significant explosion affecting the entire port area. Madbouly reassured that the storage vessel remained “100-percent intact,” and despite some damage to the GasLog Salem, it succeeded in transferring natural gas into Egypt’s domestic network, which is experiencing energy shortages, particularly in the summer months.
The government has also secured an emergency supply from Jordan in light of the incident. Multiple statements have reassured that marine traffic remains normal and that Damietta port continues to operate as usual. The shipping sector, particularly the Suez Canal, is vital for Egypt’s economy, and the safety of its Mediterranean coast is crucial for maintaining shipping routes, especially amidst the rerouting of traffic from the Gulf due to ongoing hostilities.
Madbouly’s office committed to taking all necessary measures to protect Egypt’s interests and national security, underscoring the importance of the nation’s maritime infrastructure. Wednesday’s drone attack coincided with a renewed cycle of hostilities between the United States and Iran, adding to the evolving and volatile geopolitical landscape in the region.
