Dubai (Rajeev Sharma): Several Gulf countries remained on heightened alert after a fresh round of missile and drone attacks linked to Iran targeted strategic locations across the region, including airports, oil facilities and military bases.
Authorities in Kuwait confirmed that fuel storage facilities near Kuwait International Airport were struck during the latest escalation. The country’s oil sector responded by temporarily reducing crude production as a safety measure while security forces dealt with what officials described as a wave of hostile drones entering national airspace. Some civilian structures were also damaged after fragments from intercepted drones fell to the ground.
In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, air defence systems were activated to intercept multiple incoming threats. Officials said several drones were destroyed over key areas, including oil facilities near the Shaybah field and parts of the capital Riyadh. The defence ministry also reported that ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base were successfully intercepted before reaching the installation, which hosts US forces.
The tensions have also impacted daily life in the United Arab Emirates. Explosions were reported in Dubai, leading to the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport. Authorities later confirmed that the incident occurred after debris from an intercepted missile fell near a populated area. In one incident, a Pakistani driver was killed when fragments struck his vehicle.
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed the nation, acknowledging that the country was facing a challenging security situation and describing the current moment as a time of conflict. He added that the Emirates would remain resilient despite the ongoing threats.
Missile activity was also reported in Qatar, where defence officials said several ballistic and cruise missiles launched from Iran were intercepted before they could reach populated areas. A few missiles landed in the sea or empty areas without causing casualties.
Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain reported intercepting dozens of missiles and drones since the conflict intensified, while strikes in Beirut left several people dead after a hotel was hit during an operation reportedly targeting commanders linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The latest developments come shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran did not intend to attack neighbouring countries, though he also insisted Iran would not surrender in the ongoing confrontation.
With missiles and drones continuing to be detected across multiple countries, security forces throughout the Gulf remain on alert as the regional conflict shows little sign of easing.
