Qatar Strongly Condemns Drone Attack on LNG Vessels at Egypt's Damietta Port

Doha, Qatar Jul 31, 2026 ALN: Qatar condemned the drone attack on two LNG vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port, calling it a threat to global energy supplies and reaffirming its solidarity with Cairo.

Qatar has strongly condemned the targeting of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port, describing the incident as a direct threat to global energy supplies, a clear violation of international law, and an irresponsible act that undermines regional security. This condemnation reflects Qatar's ongoing commitment to maintaining stability in the region, particularly in the context of its significant role as a major producer and exporter of LNG.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar issued a statement emphasizing that the country “completely rejects the targeting of vital facilities.” The statement underlined the importance of protecting such essential infrastructure, which is critical not only for the economies of the countries involved but also for the global energy market. Qatar's LNG exports have become increasingly vital in recent years, particularly as countries seek to diversify their energy sources and reduce reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.

In addition to condemning the attack, Qatar stressed the need to spare the region the consequences of “unjustified attacks.” The statement called for de-escalation to restore regional and international security and stability. This plea for calm is particularly poignant given the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where various conflicts and rivalries have often spilled over into the economic and energy sectors.

Doha also reaffirmed its full solidarity with Egypt and its support for all measures taken by Cairo to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security. Egypt, a key player in the energy sector, has been facing increasing security challenges, particularly in the context of its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, where significant gas reserves have been discovered in recent years.

The condemnation from Qatar came shortly after Egypt confirmed that a drone attack caused a fire aboard two vessels at the Mediterranean port of Damietta, a key LNG export hub. The port is strategically important not only for Egypt but also for Europe and other regions that rely on LNG imports. The Egyptian cabinet stated that the blaze was caused by an attack rather than an accident, adding that no group had claimed responsibility for the incident. This lack of attribution raises concerns about the potential for further attacks and the overall security of maritime routes in the region.

Authorities have reported that investigations are ongoing and that “the necessary measures” are being taken to protect Egypt’s interests and national security. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the fact that the attack has heightened concerns over the security of regional energy infrastructure and maritime routes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East. Such vulnerabilities could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets, particularly if they lead to disruptions in supply.

The drone reportedly struck the US-owned floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Energos Winter, triggering a fire that later spread to the Greek-owned LNG carrier GasLog Salem. Maritime security sources indicated that the strike initially hit the Energos Winter before the flames reached the second vessel. This sequence of events underscores the potential for significant collateral damage in maritime environments, especially when critical infrastructure is targeted.

Egyptian authorities have stated that firefighting and security teams quickly contained the blaze, and no casualties were reported. The Petroleum Ministry confirmed that response efforts were overseen by Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi, while officials noted that Damietta port continued operating normally. The swift response to the incident is indicative of the preparedness of Egyptian authorities to handle such emergencies, but it also highlights the ongoing risks faced by vessels operating in the region.

The attack has raised alarms among international stakeholders regarding the safety of energy transportation routes in the Eastern Mediterranean. The region has seen a surge in maritime activity due to the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves, which has led to increased competition and tensions among various nations and non-state actors. The potential for further attacks could deter investment in the region's energy sector, complicating efforts to develop these resources and secure energy supplies for Europe and beyond.

US President Donald Trump stated that he had been briefed on the incident and suggested that Iran or its allies could be behind the attack. This assertion reflects the broader geopolitical context, where Iran has been implicated in various attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in recent years. However, Egyptian authorities have not attributed responsibility for the attack, and investigations remain ongoing. The lack of a clear culprit complicates the situation further, as it raises questions about the motivations behind the attack and the potential for retaliatory measures.

The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate security concerns. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of energy supply chains in a region marked by political instability and conflict. As countries increasingly rely on LNG as a cleaner energy source, ensuring the security of transport routes becomes paramount. The incident at Damietta port may prompt a reevaluation of security protocols for maritime operations in the region, as well as a renewed focus on international cooperation to safeguard critical infrastructure.

In conclusion, the drone attack on LNG vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port has elicited strong condemnation from Qatar and has raised significant concerns regarding the security of energy supplies in the region. As investigations continue and the geopolitical landscape evolves, the incident underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure the stability of energy markets and the safety of maritime operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments as they unfold.