Ansar al‑Allah denies Egyptian port attack, eyes Red Sea shipping fees

On 30 July 2026 a fire broke out on two vessels in Egypt’s Damietta port. Egyptian officials said the blaze was caused by a drone and reported no injuries. Some reports had linked the incident to the Yemeni militant group Ansar al‑Allah, but the group publicly denied any responsibility, stating that its operations target only Saudi assets.

The following day, western media reported that Ansar al‑Allah is studying the imposition of fees on commercial ships passing through the southern Red Sea. The group said it had previously blocked Saudi navigation after a Saudi oil tanker, SSC Ghazal, violated its ban, and warned that ships entering the area might be charged, although no timetable was provided. Military spokesman Maj. Yahya Sari‘ reiterated that the group’s actions are directed against Saudi interests and not against other regional vessels.