DOHA: Iran has launched missile strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as tensions in the Gulf region sharply escalate.
According to Reuters, smoke was seen rising from the Juffair area of Bahrain, where the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is located. Bahrain confirmed that a missile attack had targeted the naval base.
Earlier, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry had issued an emergency warning urging citizens to move to the nearest safe location.
Al Jazeera reported hearing explosions in Kuwait, though officials have yet to release detailed information about the impact.
Qatar issued emergency alerts via mobile devices, urging residents to remain indoors or in safe locations and to stay away from military bases. The country hosts the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base.
Qatar’s Defense Ministry said that an Iranian missile entering its airspace was intercepted by the Patriot air defense system. No immediate reports of casualties were available.
Reuters also reported a large explosion in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, though authorities have not yet provided detailed confirmation.
Amid the heightened regional tensions, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have announced the closure of their airspace as a precautionary measure. Further details on damage and casualties were not immediately available.
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