Mystery Over Who Targeted Egypt’s Damietta Port Raises Questions

Egypt is actively investigating a drone attack that targeted two vessels at its northern Damietta port, an incident that has seen Iran, Israel, and Yemen's Houthi rebels all deny any involvement. The mystery surrounding the attack has prompted experts to suggest that a combination of security, political, and economic considerations might be why no party has claimed responsibility.

“

Egypt’s position, he said, would be based “on facts, not speculation.”

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confirmed that authorities are meticulously examining the attack's details and circumstances. Following a call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Sisi highlighted the dangers of escalating regional tensions and called for a united effort from Egypt, Spain, Europe, and the international community to contain them. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed that debris from the drone had been recovered and is undergoing examination as part of the ongoing security investigation, emphasizing that Egypt's stance will be guided by facts.

Iran has issued multiple statements vehemently denying any connection to the drone attack, with its mission in Egypt quoting a Foreign Ministry source stating Tehran "did not carry out this operation." The source described relations with Egypt as strong and based on mutual respect. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman further accused the United States of fostering regional insecurity and pointed to the discovery of Ukrainian-linked cells in Iraq as a threat, suggesting an unidentified party could be behind the Damietta incident. Iran's Foreign Minister also stressed Egypt's importance as a regional partner and friend, prioritizing its security and urging vigilance against "Israeli conspiracies."

“

We must all remain vigilant against Israeli conspiracies.

The Israeli military has also refuted media reports linking it to the attack. Similarly, the Houthis have denied responsibility. Ahmed Fouad Anwar, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, noted that while the absence of a claim of responsibility deepens the mystery, it will not hinder investigators from identifying the perpetrators. He posited that silence from the attackers could be a strategic move to avoid a potential Egyptian response under international law, alongside political and economic motivations.

“

The perpetrators may have stayed silent to avoid an Egyptian response permitted under international law, as well as for political and economic reasons.