Egypt has attributed a fire that damaged two vessels at the Mediterranean port of Damietta to a drone attack, marking its first official account of Wednesday’s incident.
The Egyptian cabinet said preliminary findings showed that a drone caused the July 29 blaze. No group has taken responsibility.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the attack, citing the need to defend Egypt’s national security and interests.
Maritime security company Ambrey said the drone struck a US-owned floating gas storage tanker before flames spread to a second vessel. Officials reported no casualties.
Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry had previously confirmed the fire but did not identify its cause.
The attack has raised fears that the regional war could spread further after Iran targeted US-linked interests in several countries.
If confirmed as part of the wider conflict, it would represent the first attack of its kind on Egyptian territory since the war began.
