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A U.S. cargo ship traveling in the highly congested Suez Canal opened fire March 24 on a motorboat carrying three Egyptians, killing a 17-year-old fisherman. While there is some confusion whether it was the U.S. cargo ship or the Egyptian navy that fired, widespread reports say it was the U.S. vessel.
The incident shows that the United States is on alert for any signs of attack in the region, and could provide fodder for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood
The U.S. ship, called the Global Patriot, transfers U.S. military equipment from Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Kuwait; and Iraq. It was in a waiting area known as the Zenobia Lighthouse preparing to enter the Mediterranean when the incident took place.
The Suez Canal is one of the world’s busiest sea trade canals; at some points it is only 120 yards wide. The canal is also one of Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency.
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