Rabat – Tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate sharply on Monday as Iran and a US-Israeli alliance exchanged attacks, with several Gulf countries reporting explosions, intercepted drones, and air raid sirens.
Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, said debris fell in the al-Hamra village area after air defence systems intercepted a drone. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi, debris from intercepted drones also struck a warehouse in ICAD and a commercial facility in the Mussafah area, causing minor damage but no casualties.
Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down the Ras Tanura oil refinery near Dammam after two drones were intercepted. According to the Saudi Defence Ministry, falling debris sparked a small fire at the facility, which was later brought under control. No civilian casualties were reported.
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a vessel docked at the Port of Bahrain was hit by two unknown projectiles, causing a fire onboard. The blaze was extinguished and all crew members were safely evacuated. The US embassy in Bahrain also warned its citizens of a “continuing threat” of missile and drone attacks and advised them to avoid hotels in Manama.
Kuwait reported that “several” US warplanes crashed during the morning hours. The country’s Defence Ministry said all crew members survived and were taken to hospital in stable condition. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, and investigations are under way to determine the cause of the crashes. Air raid sirens were heard multiple times in Kuwait as authorities said most incoming drones had been intercepted.
Meanwhile in Qatar, explosions were heard in the capital, Doha, as air defence systems responded to incoming threats. Government officials said Iranian attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including the international airport, but added that the projectiles were intercepted.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways suspended flights as airspace closures disrupted travel across the region. More than 3,000 flights have reportedly been cancelled, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
The situation remains severe inside Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 555 people have been killed in US-Israeli strikes across 131 counties. Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the Natanz nuclear facility was struck during the attacks. However, the UN nuclear watchdog said it had no indication that nuclear installations had been damaged.
