Egypt Says 'False and Inaccurate' Media Reports Emerge as Vessel Attack Probe Continues

CAIRO, Aug 1: Egypt said Saturday that investigations are continuing into the attack on two vessels at Damietta Port, dismissing what it described as "false and inaccurate" media reports while authorities work to identify those responsible.

In a statement, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said some foreign media outlets had recently published misleading reports about the incident, stressing that no conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete.

“Investigations are still ongoing to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the party responsible,” the ministry said.

The ministry urged foreign media organizations and correspondents in Egypt and abroad to verify information through official sources when reporting on Egyptian affairs and the Damietta Port incident.

The statement follows remarks by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday, confirming that authorities were continuing to investigate the attack while calling for regional de-escalation to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a fire broke out aboard two gas vessels at Damietta Port. Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry confirmed the fire but did not specify its cause.

British maritime security firm Ambrey later reported that a drone had struck a US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) storage facility at the port.

Responding to the reported attack, US President Donald Trump said the United States would respond to Iran "very strongly" if it was found to be responsible, further heightening regional tensions as investigations continue.