Blasts heard in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait amid rapid escalation

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Explosions and air-defence activity were reported across several parts of the Gulf on Saturday, with residents and local outlets describing loud blasts and emergency alerts in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar as regional tensions escalated sharply.

Loud explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, while several blasts were also reported from Kuwait, where civil defence sirens were activated. Similar reports emerged from Riyadh, adding to concerns over a widening security situation across the region.

Blast sounds and explosions were also reported in Dubai, Manama and Doha, in addition to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Authorities in the affected countries said they were assessing developments on the ground as security and emergency services remained on heightened alert.

The incidents followed claims that Iranian ballistic missiles were launched towards US-linked military facilities in the Gulf, in what was described as retaliation for earlier US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Reported targets include the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the Al Dhafra Air Base, as well as additional US-linked sites in Kuwait.

In Bahrain, authorities said areas near Juffair, which hosts a major US naval presence, were affected, with smoke seen in nearby locations. As the situation developed, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE were reported to have closed their airspace, while residents in Qatar were advised to remain indoors and avoid areas close to military facilities. In Kuwait, warning sirens were activated following the explosions.

Missile interceptions were reported in parts of the Gulf, including Qatar, where air-defence systems were said to have engaged incoming threats. Officials across the region have not yet released full information on damage or casualties, and the situation remains highly fluid as authorities continue to assess the scale and impact of the reported strikes and defensive actions.

Photo Credit: AFP