Qatar condemns attack on LNG carrier in Gulf, warns of threat to energy supplies
The vessel's owner, Nakilat, reported no injuries or environmental damage, while Saudi Arabia backed Qatar's efforts to protect its ships.
Qatar condemned an attack on the liquefied natural gas carrier Al Mayeda in the Arabian Gulf on Sunday, November 1, warning of dangers to shipping and global energy supplies, according to Anadolu Agency and Middle East Monitor. Qatar's Foreign Ministry also issued a condemnation.
The ship's owner, Qatar Gas Transport Company, known as Nakilat, said objects it could not identify struck the carrier during its passage through the Gulf on Friday evening, October 30. The company said none of the crew was hurt and reported no harm to the environment.
Nakilat said Al Mayeda remained operational and safe while it assessed the effects of the incident. It said it was maintaining direct contact with the crew and the vessel, as well as maritime security authorities in the region.
Reports differed on the timing. A Middle East Eye report dated November 1 described the strike as occurring earlier that day, rather than on October 30 as Nakilat stated.
According to Middle East Monitor's report, which was attributed to Anadolu, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said investigations had begun to determine what happened and establish responsibility. Nakilat described the objects that hit the vessel as unidentified.
Anadolu and Middle East Eye reported that the ministry reserved Qatar's right to act under international law and the United Nations Charter to protect its property. The reported statement also referred to protecting Qatari interests, ships and crews.
The warnings extended beyond shipping and energy. Middle East Monitor reported that the ministry cited possible consequences for the region's stability, the world economy, the marine environment and water security in the region.
Saudi Arabia also condemned the targeting of Al Mayeda. Saudi Gazette reported that the Saudi Foreign Ministry supported Qatar's steps to protect its vessels and trade, and urged international action to secure maritime routes, protect international commerce and uphold international law.
The GCC secretary-general condemned the attack in a statement headlined on the organization's website, linking safe navigation in the Gulf with economic stability both within the region and internationally.
Sources
- mofa.gov.qa — primary source: Qatar Condemns Attack on LNG Carrier in Arabian Gulf · accessed 2026-11-02
- Anadolu Agency — news agency: Qatar condemns attack on LNG tanker in Gulf, warns of threat to global energy supplies · accessed 2026-11-02
- Saudi Gazette — media: Saudi Arabia strongly condemns targeting of Qatar’s LNG carrier · accessed 2026-11-02
- Middle East Eye — media: Qatar condemns tanker attack in the Gulf as threat to global energy security · Saudi Arabia condemns strike on Qatar’s LNG tanker · accessed 2026-11-02
- Middle East Monitor — media: Qatar condemns attack on LNG tanker in Gulf, warns of threat to global energy supplies · accessed 2026-11-02
- nakilat.com — media: AL Mayeda – vessel incident in the Arabian Gulf - Nakilat · accessed 2026-11-02
- gcc-sg.org — media: HE GCCSG Condemns the Treacherous Attack on the Qatari Gas Tanker "Al Mayeda", Underscoring That the Security of Navigation in the Arabian Gulf is a Pillar for the Stability of the Region and the Global Economy · accessed 2026-11-02