Canada condemns drone attack on vessel in Qatar waters

Canada’s Foreign Ministry late Sunday condemned the targeting of a commercial vessel in Qatar’s territorial waters, urging all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure amid escalating regional tensions. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Ottawa denounced recent drone attacks across the Gulf.

The ministry specifically cited the strike northeast of Mesaieed Port on Sunday morning, noting the vessel had been traveling from Abu Dhabi when it was hit. The attack caused a small fire but no casualties, according to Qatari authorities and the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center.

Qatar investigates strike

Ottawa urged all parties to respect international law and protect freedom of navigation. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry denounced the incident as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation,” stating that attacks on civilian vessels violated international law and threatened freedom of navigation.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile. Doha said investigators were working alongside international partners to determine the origin of the attack.

War enters third month

Regional tensions have soared since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting agreement.

US President Donald Trump later extended the truce without a set deadline, allowing diplomatic efforts to continue toward a permanent resolution. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted commercial traffic since hostilities began in February.