Thick plumes of smoke and wailing sirens marked a new wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks across Gulf cities, including Doha, Dubai, and Manama, following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Explosions were heard across major urban centres, prompting emergency alerts and heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. The attacks came hours after a day of deadly strikes in Abu Dhabi and other Gulf territories, signalling a rapid escalation of hostilities in the region.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at the country on Saturday, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. Of these, 132 missiles were successfully intercepted, while five fell into the sea. Among the drones, 195 were neutralised, but 14 managed to reach Emirati territory and waters, causing limited collateral damage. The attacks affected iconic landmarks, including The Palm and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and led to at least one confirmed fatality at Abu Dhabi’s airport.
In Qatar, officials reported that Iran launched 65 missiles and 12 drones toward the Gulf state. Most of these were intercepted, though eight people were injured, including one in critical condition. Thick black smoke could be seen rising over Doha, and emergency services responded rapidly to contain fires and attend to casualties. Authorities emphasized that the majority of the attacks were successfully neutralised but warned residents to remain vigilant as the situation remained fluid.
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The attacks followed coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, carried out under Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, after intelligence suggested Iran had resumed nuclear activities and was accelerating missile development. The military campaign and the subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes have raised international concerns over a wider regional escalation, with potential implications for civilian populations and global commerce.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that continued attacks could have “grave consequences” for international security. The European Union and Russia also called for de-escalation, emphasising the need for restraint and diplomatic dialogue to prevent further civilian harm. Analysts have expressed concern over the rising risks to commercial hubs in the Gulf, including Dubai and Doha, which are vital to global trade and aviation.
As the situation unfolds, Gulf nations continue emergency response measures, intercepting missiles and coordinating medical aid for the injured. The attacks underscore the vulnerability of the region to missile and drone warfare, with densely populated urban areas at risk. Governments have urged citizens to follow safety protocols, while international organisations monitor the crisis closely, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation.
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