Gas Tankers Explode in Egyptian Port in Suspected Drone Attack Amid Regional Tensions

Gas tankers exploded at the Damietta port in Egypt in an incident suspected to be caused by a drone attack, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The vessels involved in the explosion were moved out of the port, and operations are expected to resume by the evening. No casualties were reported.

The incident follows a recent announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Defense that its air defense systems intercepted drones launched from Iraq by pro-Iranian militias targeting oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia stated it reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.

A military source in Sanaa, speaking to the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper affiliated with Hezbollah and the pro-Iran axis, emphasized that their attacks deep inside Saudi Arabia highlight that critical Saudi oil facilities are legitimate military targets. The Houthi source warned that Saudi Arabia cannot protect its oil and gas infrastructure from Yemeni attacks, regardless of its military alliances or support from the United States.

The source further claimed that the Houthis possess capabilities to strike anywhere within Saudi Arabia, including the eastern oil transport network located 1,500 kilometers away. The source demanded unconditional compliance with Sanaa’s demands, including lifting the maritime and air blockade, addressing state employee salaries in Houthi-controlled areas, paying compensation, withdrawing from Yemeni territory, dismantling militias allied with Saudi Arabia, and ceasing funding of terrorist organizations.

Separately, Egypt is reportedly accelerating the deployment of a multinational force in Gaza. The country is also facing controversy following an interview with Israeli journalist Gideon Levy.