A drone attack ignited a fire on two gas vessels at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta on Wednesday, according to the Egyptian cabinet. The incident, which occurred near the strategically vital Suez Canal, involved a US-owned floating storage tanker, the Energos Winter, and another vessel, the Gaslog Salem. The fire reportedly started on the starboard side of the Energos Winter before spreading. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities are investigating the incident as a potential escalation in regional tensions.
The Egyptian cabinet confirmed the drone strike on Thursday, stating that measures are being taken to safeguard national security. British maritime security firm Ambrey initially assessed that a drone struck the US-owned tanker, raising concerns about broader conflict in the Middle East. Trading sources identified the affected vessels and noted that the fire was extinguished without injuries or fatalities.
The attack occurred shortly after Iran launched a missile strike against US forces in Jordan, prompting retaliatory strikes by the US and Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq. The incident at Damietta port has drawn Egypt into the widening conflict, with regional analysts warning of potential disruptions to global energy supply routes through the Suez Canal.
Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi visited the site to oversee response efforts, and emergency teams continue to assess the impact. The US has been briefed on the incident, with President Donald Trump vowing to retaliate against Iran for its attacks on American forces. The broader context includes recent Iranian missile strikes and retaliatory actions by the US and its allies, signaling a deepening crisis in the region.