Qatar: Drone attack threatens shipping lanes and regional supplies

Beirut (ANTARA) - A drone attack on a commercial ship in Qatari territorial waters threatens the security of commercial shipping lanes and essential supplies in the region, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday (10/5). The Ministry also described the attack as a dangerous and unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and safety of maritime trade routes and vital supplies in the area, according to the ministry’s statement. Via social media on Sunday, Qatar’s Defence Ministry reported that a cargo ship was attacked by an unmanned aerial vehicle while en route from the United Arab Emirates to the Mesaieed port in Qatar. Previously, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre under the British Navy (UKMTO) stated that a cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile near Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Sunday. “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 23 nautical miles northeast of DOHA, QATAR. The master of the bulk carrier reported being targeted by an unknown projectile. A small fire occurred which has been extinguished, no injuries,” the statement said.