Drone attack caused fire on gas ships at Mediterranean port, Egypt says

July 30, 2026

A drone attack at Egypt's Damietta port on Wednesday ignited fires on two vessels - a US-owned floating storage facility and a Greek-owned LNG tanker - though no casualties were reported and the fires were successfully extinguished. Egyptian authorities confirmed the drone attack but stated that no group has claimed responsibility, and they continue investigating while taking measures to protect national security. The incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran-backed groups attacking energy infrastructure, though Egypt, as a US ally, has not previously been directly targeted by Iran.

Who is affected

Two ships: Energos Winter (US-owned) and GasLog Salem (Greek-owned)
Egypt and the Damietta port operations
Egyptian authorities responsible for national security
Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq (specifically Popular Mobilisation Forces, which lost at least 20 members in US-Saudi strikes)
US military facilities in Jordan (subject to attempted missile attack)

What action is being taken

Egyptian authorities are investigating the drone attack
Egyptian authorities are taking measures to preserve Egypt's interests and national security
The Damietta port is operating at full capacity
Tugboats are hosing down ships with water (shown in videos)

Why it matters

This incident represents a potential expansion of Iran-related conflict to Egypt, a US ally that had not previously been directly attacked by Iran. The attack on a major LNG hub threatens global energy trade and could contribute to oil price increases, similar to previous Iranian-backed attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf and Red Sea regions. The timing alongside US-Saudi strikes in Iraq and US strikes on Iran demonstrates rapidly escalating regional tensions that could further disrupt international commerce and energy security.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC