On March 11, 2026, a drone attack on an oil storage facility at the Port of Salalah, Oman, resulted in fires and damage to multiple fuel storage tanks, and the port has now suspended all operations.
The incident took place against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions at a time when infrastructure in the Gulf region is frequently targeted.
It is reported that during the attack, some of the drones were successfully intercepted and shot down, but several broke through the defenses and struck fuel storage tanks in the port area. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties, and commercial vessels docked at the port have not been affected.
Maritime security watchdog Vanguard Tech noted that it was not yet possible to confirm whether the storage tanks were the direct target of the attack or whether the damage was secondary to the fall of the intercepted drone debris.
It is worth noting that the APM Terminal at the Port of Serale is a regional hub station for important shipping alliances and is tasked with a large amount of international cargo transshipment.
On March 11, the shipping company concerned issued a statement saying that all operations at the Port of Salalah, Oman, had been temporarily suspended, and that resumption was pending further notice.
The statement added that the decision was a precautionary measure taken as a result of an unexpected security incident near the port's general cargo terminal, without giving more specific details.
Although there are no publicly known permanent foreign military bases in Oman, some of the ports and facilities are available for military use, if necessary, under the relevant defence cooperation agreements.
Of these, the ports of Duqum and Serale are primarily responsible for the logistical support and temporary docking functions of military vessels.
Author: Kim
Company: Xindashun International Logistics (Shenzhen) Co.
Tel: 13556688899
Address: 21B03, Jazz Building, No. 4018, Guinbin Road, Heping Community, Nanhu Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China.