Canada Urges Protection of Civilians After Vessel Attack Near Qatar

(MENAFN) Canada has strongly criticized an attack targeting a commercial vessel in the territorial waters of Qatar, stressing the need to safeguard civilians, civilian infrastructure, and international maritime rules following rising tensions in the Gulf region.

In an official statement shared late Sunday through social media channels, Canada’s foreign affairs authorities addressed recent drone activity in the Gulf, which included a strike on a commercial ship operating in Qatari waters. The statement said: “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,”

The incident occurred earlier that same day when a commercial cargo vessel traveling from Abu Dhabi was struck by an unidentified projectile while sailing northeast of Mesaieed Port.

According to maritime monitoring sources and Qatari authorities, the strike triggered a small fire onboard. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported among the crew.

Officials in Qatar described the event as a serious escalation, warning that such actions threaten maritime safety and global shipping routes. They emphasized that targeting commercial or civilian vessels violates international law and undermines the principle of free navigation in international waters.

Qatari authorities further characterized the attack as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation,” highlighting growing concerns over security in key shipping lanes and calling for restraint to prevent further destabilization in the region.

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