Drone activity was reported near the Port of Salalah on 11 March. According to Omani authorities, the incident occurred amid rising security concerns across the Gulf region. Oman's Ministry of Defence stated that air defence systems intercepted two drones over Dhofar Governorate, while a third drone crashed near the port area.
The incident caused no casualties or damage, the government confirmed in a statement carried by the Oman News Agency. Authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control. On the same day, several commercial vessels reported being struck near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fresh warnings from maritime security agencies about the threat environment for shipping in the region.
Advisories issued by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) urged vessels operating in the Gulf and surrounding waters to remain increasingly vigilant. Salalah Port is Oman's largest container transit point on the Indian Ocean coast and is operated in partnership with Maersk's APM Terminals. The incident did not directly affect port operations but was interpreted as an indicator of heightened regional activity. It is recorded as an earlier drone incident preceding the "drone-strike" event covered previously.
Key Takeaways:
1. Drone activity was reported near the Port of Salalah on 11 March.
2. Oman's air defence systems intercepted two drones over Dhofar Governorate.
3. A third drone crashed near the port area; there were no casualties or damage.
4. On the same day, vessel attacks were reported near the Strait of Hormuz.
5. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) called on vessels in Gulf waters to remain increasingly vigilant.
