Egypt concerned about explosion of two oil tankers in Gulf of Oman: Presidency’s spokesperson

Egypt’s Spokesperson for the Presidency Ahmed Hafez asserted on Friday that Egypt was deeply concerned about the explosion of two oil tankers on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman. The explosion left one tanker ablaze and both adrift.

Hafez clarified that Egypt has been following the situation and waiting for the conclusion of investigations on the explosion.

Hafez stressed that the Egyptian government condemns any acts that undermine maritime navigation and harm the security of waterways in the Gulf area.

According to Al-Arabia TV Channel, the two tankers were hit in suspected attacks in the Gulf of Oman and the crews have been evacuated, shipping sources said on Thursday, a month after a similar incident in which four tankers in the region were struck.

The sources identified the tankers as the Marshal Islands-flagged Front Altair and the Panama-flagged Kokuka Courageous. There was no immediate confirmation from ship operators or authorities in Oman or neighboring United Arab Emirates, in whose territorial waters four tankers were hit last month.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm