Multiple Middle Eastern nations came under Iranian missile fire Saturday as Tehran followed through on promises to strike back against the United States and Israel, shattering the calm in a region known for its stability.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates reported through state media that one fatality occurred in Abu Dhabi, though additional details were not provided.
Military forces in Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan—all nations hosting American military installations—successfully shot down the incoming Iranian projectiles.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared: “All occupied territories and the criminal U.S. bases in the region have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles. This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated.”
Bahrain verified that an assault occurred within its borders, with a U.S. Fifth Fleet service facility taking a direct hit. Reuters footage captured thick gray smoke billowing near the island nation’s shoreline while emergency sirens echoed across the area.
Residents throughout Abu Dhabi reported hearing thunderous explosions, according to five eyewitnesses including Reuters journalists. Local authorities sent emergency alerts to cell phones instructing people to find shelter in secure structures and avoid windows due to incoming missile dangers.
One local resident described hearing five rapid booms that shook windows in a residence near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche waterfront. Similar explosive sounds were reported by witnesses in the Al Dhafra and Bateen neighborhoods.
Military aircraft were observed patrolling the skies above Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island district Saturday afternoon.
Qatar’s defense forces announced they had neutralized Iranian missiles before they could reach the country’s borders through “joint coordination” efforts. Multiple waves of explosions echoed through Doha, the nation’s capital.
Following a shelter warning from the U.S. Embassy in Doha, many locals initially continued their weekend routines. Grocery stores remained busy, beach visitors headed to the coast, and a tourist-filled double-decker bus continued its route through the West Bay area.
However, after the government issued mobile phone alerts ordering people to shelter in place, street activity decreased noticeably and vehicle traffic became lighter.
Kuwait’s military confirmed it had neutralized missiles within the country’s airspace, while Jordanian forces reported downing two Iranian ballistic weapons.
International carriers halted flights throughout the Middle East region, with tracking data showing Iran’s airspace nearly completely vacant of aircraft.
