Canada Denounces Attack On Commercial Vessel In Qatar’s Territorial Waters

ISTANBUL, May 11 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Canada late Sunday condemned the targeting of a commercial vessel in Qatar’s territorial waters and urged all sides to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

“Canada condemns recent drone attacks across the Gulf, including the targeting of a commercial vessel in Qatar’s territorial waters. We urge all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international law, including freedom of navigation,” Canada’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on the X platform.

The statement followed a drone strike on a commercial cargo vessel in Qatar’s territorial waters northeast of Mesaieed Port on Sunday morning.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said the vessel, travelling from Abu Dhabi, was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a small fire but no casualties.

Qatar condemned the incident as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation,” saying attacks on civilian and commercial vessels violated international law and threatened freedom of navigation.

Authorities said an investigation was underway in coordination with international partners.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU