Saudi Gazette report

Riyadh — There has been an all-round condemnation of the targeted sabotage of four commercial vessels — two from Saudi Arabia and one each from United Arab Emirates and Norway — off the coast of Fujairah.

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih said on Monday the attack “aims to undermine the freedom of maritime navigation, and the security of oil supplies to consumers all over the world.”

He emphasized the joint responsibility of the international community to protect the safety of maritime navigation and the security of oil tankers, as these incidents pose a danger to energy markets and the global economy.

The attack caused "significant damage" to the vessels, Al-Falih said.

The oil tankers, which were on their way to cross into the Arabian Gulf. One of the two vessels was on its way to be loaded with Saudi crude oil from the port of Ras Tanura, to be delivered to Saudi Aramco customers in the US.

“Fortunately, the attack didn't lead to any casualties or oil spill,” Al-Falih said.

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit said these criminal acts constitute a serious violation of the freedom and safety of trade and maritime transport routes that would raise the level of escalation in the region.

Spokesman of the Secretary-General Mahmoud Afifi said Aboul Gheit considers the threats to the land or sea borders or transportation and trade routes of any Arab member of the Arab League as an unacceptable violation of Arab national security.

Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Yemen described the event as a serious development and escalation that reflects evil intents of the sides who planned and executed those operations putting the safety of navigation in the region to a great jeopardy and threatening the lives of civil crews working on sea vessels.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Abdul Latif Al-Zayani said said the attack “would increase tensions and conflict in the region and jeopardize the interests of their peoples.”

The UAE’s foreign ministry said in its statement that the concerned authorities have taken all necessary measures, and are investigating the circumstances of the incident in cooperation with local and international bodies.

It also pointed out that the sabotage operations did not result in any deaths or injuries while adding that there was no leakage of any harmful substances or fuel from the vessels.

The ministry said that work is ongoing at the Port of Fujairah without any interruptions.