Doha:Qatar has strongly condemned an attack on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Al Mayeda, which occurred while the vessel was navigating the Gulf. The incident has raised significant concerns about maritime navigation and global energy supply security.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Qatari Foreign Ministry revealed that the vessel is owned by Qatar Gas Transport Company, also known as Nakilat. The ministry labeled the attack as a "dangerous act" jeopardizing both maritime navigation and the security of global energy supplies.
Qatar emphasized its right to take necessary measures under international law and the UN Charter to protect its property and ensure the safety of its vessels and crews. Investigations have been initiated by the relevant authorities to determine the incident's circumstances and identify those responsible.
The ministry highlighted the potential severe repercussions of such "reckless and irresponsible practices" on regional security, stability, and the global economy. Environmental risks stemming from such attacks were also noted, with potential serious consequences for the marine environment and regional water security.
Earlier, Nakilat reported that one of its LNG-carrying vessels was struck by "unidentified objects" while sailing in the Gulf on Friday evening. The Qatar News Agency confirmed that the Al Mayeda was struck on October 30, with no injuries or environmental damage reported.
Nakilat, a key player in Qatar's energy supply chain, did not specify the nature of the objects involved in the attack or the exact location of the incident. The attack is set against a backdrop of ongoing security risks in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, with commercial vessels facing repeated attacks.
Recent months have seen a series of attacks on commercial tankers in the Gulf, resulting in fires and vessel damage, as security concerns over navigation have grown amid continuing US-Iran tensions. The US and Israel had engaged in conflict with Iran earlier this year, with hostilities resuming in July after a brief ceasefire.