Lead:
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced Thursday that preliminary investigations into the July 29 fire affecting two vessels at Damietta port resulted from an unmanned aerial vehicle strike. The government declared it has secured energy alternatives pending reopening of port operations and promised a state response. Multiple political parties and international actors expressed solidarity with Egypt, emphasizing national unity and rejection of attempts to draw the country into regional conflict escalation.
Details:
The Council of Ministers released official findings confirming that the fire outbreak at Damietta port on July 29, 2026 was caused by a drone attack. Prime Minister Madbouly disclosed that firefighting operations required fourteen hours to contain. He stated the government had activated alternative energy supplies while port infrastructure repairs proceed, and emphasized that standard port operations and vessel movements continue at full capacity. The administration stressed further investigations remain underway to protect national security interests.
Political response across Egypt's parliamentary chambers demonstrated broad consensus backing state leadership. Members of the Senate and House of Representatives praised the government's transparency and rapid crisis management. Deputy Walid Abdel Latif al-Tamami, Senate member of the Future of the Nation party, and Deputy Ayman Hamid, media committee official at the Senate, highlighted how swift disclosure of preliminary findings and professional institutional handling reinforced public confidence. Multiple parliamentarians, including Deputy Yasir Qura and Deputy Mahmoud Taher, underscored Egypt's capacity to protect borders and national resources through demonstrated institutional strength.
Party leaders across the political spectrum issued statements supporting national alignment behind political leadership. Engineer Musa Mustafa Musa, chairman of the Tomorrow party, and Muhammad Abu al-Ainin, deputy chairman of the National Front party, emphasized that the current phase requires unified national positioning. The Millennial Democratic Party and Workers' Union representatives, including Magdy al-Badawi, affirmed workers' backing for state institutions and their proven competence. Officials stressed firm rejection of any attempts to pull Egypt into broader regional confrontation.
International actors formally condemned the incident. Jordan, Kuwait, and the Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmi issued statements denouncing the unmanned aircraft strike and reaffirming solidarity with Egypt. The Council of Muslim Elders, chaired by Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar, issued sharp condemnation. A Yemeni foreign ministry source denied involvement by Yemen in the attack.
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