Drone Strikes a Tanker at an Egyptian Port
A drone struck a gas tanker at Egypt’s Damietta port on Wednesday, in a sign the Middle East conflict is spreading to the eastern Mediterranean. The vessel, reported to be US-owned, was hit as it sat at the terminal; the maritime-security firm Ambrey and two security sources confirmed the strike. No party claimed responsibility and Egyptian officials had not commented.
The attack, far from the Gulf flashpoints of recent days, widens the geography of a war that began with strikes on Iran and now reaches shipping across the region. It follows Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and feeds fears for the sea lanes that carry the world’s energy. With attribution unclear, the danger is of miscalculation drawing in yet more parties. Insurers and shippers are already repricing the risk, adding to the pressure on oil. Watch for any claim of responsibility and any disruption to Suez Canal traffic.