Egypt's Energy Defenses Exposed by Drone Attack on Mediterranean Gas Infrastructure

A drone attack on Egypt's Mediterranean gas infrastructure has exposed the country's energy defenses. On Wednesday, at least two drones struck the US-owned Energos Winter floating storage and regasification unit and a second gas-processing vessel at Damietta port, setting both ships on fire and forcing them offshore.

No casualties were reported, and operations have resumed at the port, according to the port authority. Egyptian military investigators are examining how the drones penetrated several layers of air defense around one of the country's most heavily guarded energy sites.

Egyptian officials have opened direct contacts with Tehran to determine who launched the drones. Cairo is unlikely to retaliate militarily, and instead has rerouted LNG imports through its remaining floating regasification terminals and is relying more heavily on fuel oil and diesel to prevent another round of nationwide power shortages.