The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned the terrorist drone attack that targeted Egypt’s Port of Damietta on July 29, 2026, describing it as a dangerous escalation that threatened regional security and the safety of international maritime trade.
In an official statement, Mogadishu said the attack, which sparked fires aboard two commercial vessels and endangered critical port infrastructure, represented a direct threat to freedom of navigation and the stability of one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors.
Somalia expressed its full solidarity with Egypt, reaffirming its support for Cairo’s efforts to safeguard its territory and protect vital maritime infrastructure.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, where drone and missile strikes on commercial shipping and strategic ports have raised concerns over the security of global trade routes.
Egypt’s Damietta Port is one of the country’s key Mediterranean commercial gateways, handling large volumes of containerized cargo and energy shipments, making it a critical component of regional and international supply chains.
Somalia reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and rejected any actions that fuel regional instability or threaten international peace and security.
The government stressed that attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and maritime facilities undermine global commerce and endanger the economic interests of countries throughout the region.
The statement also reflects the growing strategic partnership between Somalia and Egypt, which has expanded significantly over the past two years.
Cairo has become one of Mogadishu’s closest regional security partners, providing military training, equipment, and diplomatic backing while consistently supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Relations between the two countries have strengthened through cooperation on defense, counterterrorism, and regional security, particularly following Egypt’s increased involvement in Somalia’s security sector and its participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Both governments have also coordinated closely on Red Sea security, recognizing that instability along major maritime routes directly affects the economic and strategic interests of both nations.
The latest statement underscores Somalia’s continued alignment with Egypt on regional security issues and highlights the importance both countries place on protecting maritime navigation, combating terrorism, and preserving stability across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.
