25 Sep 2024 | 11:15 PM UTC
Israel: Remaining operations at Port of Eilat unlikely to be disrupted after drone attack injures two and causes minor damage in area late Sept. 25 /update 1
Drone attack hits Port of Eilat, Israel, late Sept. 25, wounding two and causing damage; disruptions to remaining port operations unlikely.
Remaining operations at the Port of Eilat are unlikely to be significantly disrupted by a drone attack that targeted the area late Sept. 25. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted one of the drones, and the other impacted the port area, lightly injuring two people and causing minor damage to a warehouse. Potash export operations, one of the port's primary activities, will probably not be affected by the attack, according to a local company. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Heightened security and localized traffic disruptions will likely affect parts of Eilat over the short term, particularly near the port area. Authorities may close local roads on short notice in the vicinity of the impact site.
Avoid the vicinity of the impact site until authorities give the all-clear. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the affected area and any disruptions. If incoming projectile fire or drone activity is reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.
While the late Sept. 25 drone attack is unlikely on its own to significantly disrupt operations at the Port of Eilat, the threat of similar Al-Houthi attacks amid the Israel-Hamas war has curtailed maritime traffic through the Red Sea and caused major economic losses at the southern Israeli port. The Port of Eilat has reportedly declared bankruptcy and sought financial assistance from the Israeli government in recent months due to a precipitous decline in commercial activity amid the war.
