24.07.2024, Bagdad.
An Iraqi militant group claimed a drone attack on a facility in Eilat, Israel’s southern port city. Xinhua wrote on July 22, referring to the statement made on behalf of the Shiite group Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
In an online statement, the militia said its fighters carried out a drone attack on a “vital facility” in Eilat at dawn on Sunday. The group said the attack was carried out “in solidarity with the people of Gaza,” and vowed to continue attacking “strongholds of the enemy.”
The statement did not give details about the target of the attack or the casualties. Israeli authorities have not commented on the drone attack.
Eilat is Israel’s only port on the Red Sea. Its location allows Israeli ships to reach the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Suez Canal. Currently, it is mainly used for trade with countries in the Far East.
The development of shipping through Eilat is hampered by the fact that being at a considerable distance from the center of Israel, the port is not connected to the country’s railway system. The distance to the nearest railway station is just over a hundred kilometers. To bring railroads to the port is hindered by a widely developed network of coastal tourism, which competes with any prospects for expansion of port facilities.
There is a plan to move the current port inland to the site of the former quarries. This would involve digging a canal 7.5 km long and 70 meters wide. The plan also includes the construction of a new international airport and the extension of the railroad to the territory of the new port and airport. In this case, the area of the old port will be redeveloped for tourism purposes.
South Africa’s Harris Group and Donald Trump personally have shown interest in the project.
The port is currently operating at 15% capacity due to the Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea. Also in the port is a naval base to which the 915th squadron of patrol boats of the Israeli Navy is assigned.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
