Drone hits flotilla boat again
CCTV shows crew shouting “fire”
Blaze contained, mission continues
Tunisia calls attack “premeditated”
Investigation launched, details pending
ISLAMABAD: The Global Sumud Flotilla said a drone struck one of its boats at a Tunisian port late Wednesday. It was the second attack in two nights. No injuries were reported.
Security video from the British-flagged ‘Alma’ showed people on deck shouting “fire.” Burning projectiles landed and exploded.
“A drone came and dropped another incendiary device,” Thiago Avila, a Brazilian activist and flotilla spokesperson, told Al Jazeera. He added the blaze was contained and the mission would continue, Al Jazeera reported.
Tunisia’s Interior Ministry called the incident a “premeditated act.” It said an investigation was underway. Officials gave no further details as reported by Al Jazeera.
The reported strike was similar to one the night before on the Portuguese-flagged ‘Family’ vessel, according to the flotilla.
Greta Thunberg returns
The ‘Alma’ and the ‘Family’ serve as motherships. They carry supplies and prominent participants, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
The flotilla has 20 boats carrying aid and plans to add more vessels in Tunis before sailing to Gaza to challenge Israel’s naval blockade.
Tunisian coastal police were seen alongside the flotilla off Sidi Bou Said on Wednesday where crowds gathered at the port to show support. Local authorities said departure was delayed because of the weather.
The group said drones were not visible in the video but audio captured a buzzing sound consistent with unmanned aircraft. Activists also posted a photo of a charred object they said had fallen on the Alma.
Reuters was not immediately able to verify the video.
Some activists linked the incidents to intensified fighting in Gaza and accused Israel of sabotage. Israel did not respond to the accusations as reported by Al Jazeera.
Israeli officials have previously dismissed flotillas as publicity efforts and say the blockade, in place since 2007, is intended to prevent smuggling, particularly of weapons.
The Mediterranean is heavily surveilled by manned and unmanned aircraft, but specialists say small commercial drones adapted for incendiary payloads could carry out attacks of the type described.
In May, another activist vessel reported a drone strike in international waters off Malta.
In Israel, Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed classifying flotilla members as security prisoners if intercepted at sea, a move observers view as unlikely to pass.
If stopped, participants would likely be deported within days, as in earlier cases, rights groups and officials told Al Jazeera.
