Fuel tanks ignited at Salalah Port in Oman on Wednesday after a drone attack targeted oil storage facilities. Thick plumes of smoke were reported rising from the site. Oman's civil defense units are currently working to contain the fire, a process authorities acknowledge "might take time." No casualties or damage to merchant vessels were reported, according to maritime security firms and state media.
Port operations at Salalah were temporarily halted following the incident, with private maritime security company Vanguard Tech noting the suspension. The state-owned broadcaster confirmed the drone attack on the port's southern section, reporting that at least three fuel storage tanks caught fire. Oman's civil defense stated that extinguishing the blaze requires meticulous security and safety measures.
Omani authorities reported shooting down multiple drones, though some still impacted the fuel tanks. This incident comes amid a broader context of regional tensions. Iran's military had previously vowed to launch strikes against economic targets in the region, including banks, after reporting overnight attacks on an Iranian bank.
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Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said has expressed dissatisfaction and condemned attacks on Omani territory. He held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he voiced his disapproval and condemnation of the strikes. President Pezeshkian reportedly stated that the incident would be investigated.
The Port of Salalah, situated on Oman's southern coast, serves as a significant tanker hub that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on regional oil and gas facilities have been noted since late February, including a previous drone strike on a fuel storage tank at the Port of Duqm in Oman earlier this month. As a precautionary measure, Oman has moved vessels from its main oil export terminal at Mina Al Fahal.