A drone attack targeted oil storage tanks at the Port of Salalah in Oman, with fire and smoke reported in the port area following the incident. Maritime security agencies confirmed the occurrence.
International media reports and maritime security agencies stated that the oil storage tanks at the Port of Salalah were targeted in the drone attack. Following the strike, fire broke out at the port and black smoke was seen rising into the sky. According to initial information, commercial vessels present at the port were not damaged.
British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack, stating that drones targeted oil storage tanks at the Salalah port. The company said the primary objective of the attack was port infrastructure. It also stated that commercial vessels present in the area were not damaged in the incident.
Oman’s state media and international broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that multiple drones were sent simultaneously toward the port during the attack. Oil tanks subsequently caught fire, and large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the port area. Video footage of the incident has circulated on social media and news platforms, showing fire and smoke at the site.
The incident occurred amid increasing military tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Experts stated that targeting energy infrastructure is considered part of Iran’s war strategy to exert pressure on global oil supply and trade routes.
Countries such as Oman, which attempt to maintain regional balance, are now appearing affected by the ongoing conflict. The attack on the Port of Salalah indicates that regional tensions are not limited to countries directly involved in hostilities but are also affecting neighboring states.
Following the attack, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said held a conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the discussion, the Sultan expressed disagreement and b dissatisfaction regarding the continued attacks occurring in Oman’s territory.
The Sultan stated that Oman would take all necessary measures to maintain its security and stability. He also said that attacks on Oman’s territorial infrastructure by any country would not be accepted.
The Omani government instructed security agencies to remain alert after the incident and ordered an increase in security for energy installations. Surveillance and security arrangements around the port are also being strengthened.
Another detail related to the incident has emerged in media reports. According to reports, the attack occurred after the Sultan of Oman had sent a congratulatory message to Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
According to The Times of Israel, Oman’s official news agency reported on 9 March that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik had congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on becoming Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
In the message, the Sultan said that God should protect and safeguard him. Shortly afterward, reports emerged that the Port of Salalah had been targeted.
The Port of Salalah is a key maritime port in Oman and is considered important for international trade and energy supply. The port is used for the storage and transportation of crude oil and other energy resources.
Attacks on oil storage infrastructure raise concerns in global energy markets because they may affect supply chains. The Gulf region is one of the world’s largest oil-producing areas, and instability in the region can have an immediate impact on international markets.
