SALALAH, OMAN — For the third time this month, the Port of Salalah was targeted by a drone attack on Saturday, March 28, 2026. According to the Oman News Agency (ONA) and local security sources, two drones struck the port facilities in southern Oman, resulting in minor injuries and equipment damage.
The Strike Details
The attack occurred in the early morning hours, penetrating the port’s perimeter despite heightened regional security measures.
- Casualties: One expatriate (foreign) worker sustained moderate injuries. He was treated by emergency medical teams on-site and is reported to be in stable condition.
- Material Damage: A container crane within the operational facilities suffered “limited” structural damage.
- Port Operations: Authorities confirmed that while the strike caused a brief pause in activity, port operations were not significantly affected and have since resumed.
Oman’s Stance: “Brutal” and “Heinous”
The Sultanate of Oman issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as a “heinous act” and a “blatant violation.”
- Security Vow: Muscat reaffirmed its commitment to taking all necessary measures to safeguard national security and the safety of its residents.
- The Diplomatic Dilemma: The strike is particularly significant given Oman’s traditional role as a neutral mediator between Washington and Tehran. Despite facilitating de-escalation talks, the Sultanate has absorbed over a dozen strikes since the war began on February 28.
Timeline of Attacks on Salalah (March 2026)
The Port of Salalah has become a repeat target due to its strategic location on the Arabian Sea and its logistical importance.
| Date | Incident Summary | Impact |
| March 3 | Three drones detected; two intercepted, one crashed. | No casualties reported. |
| March 11 | Multiple drones struck fuel storage tanks. | Significant fires; operations suspended for 48 hours. |
| March 18-19 | Reported “explosions” near energy facilities. | Minor damage to peripheral infrastructure. |
| March 28 | Two drones hit terminal area. | 1 worker injured; 1 crane damaged. |
Regional Context: The “Shadow War” in Oman
While the IRGC has officially denied targeting Oman—calling it a “friendly and brotherly neighbor”—intelligence analysts suggest these strikes may be carried out by “independently acting units” or intended as a warning against Omani cooperation with the U.S.-led coalition.
- Duqm and Sohar: Other Omani hubs, including the Port of Duqm and the Sohar Industrial Zone, have also faced drone strikes this month, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 15 injuries across the Sultanate since March 1.
- The Islamabad Summit: This latest strike adds further urgency to the high-level meeting in Islamabad this Monday. Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are expected to discuss a collective security framework to protect neutral ports like Salalah from further “Axis of Resistance” spillover.
