Air defence systems across several Gulf countries were activated on Sunday as Iran launched a wave of missiles and drones across the region, prompting interceptions in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions tied to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence units were responding to incoming threats, intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran. In a statement posted on X, the ministry confirmed that the sounds of explosions reported by residents were the result of defensive systems successfully engaging the projectiles. Authorities said the situation was being closely monitored as security forces worked to neutralize further threats.

Kuwait’s military also reported intercepting what it described as “hostile missile and drone attacks” on Sunday. According to a statement shared on X, Kuwaiti air defence systems were actively engaging incoming targets. Officials said the loud blasts heard in several areas were caused by interception operations carried out by the country’s defensive systems.

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The attacks have already resulted in casualties. Authorities in Dubai confirmed that one person was killed after debris from an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha district. The victim was identified only as an Asian driver. Officials did not release additional details but said the incident occurred during defensive operations against incoming aerial threats.

Kuwait also reported fatalities linked to the broader wave of attacks. The Interior Ministry said two border guards—Lt. Col. Abdullah Imad Al-Sharrah and Capt. Fahd Abdulaziz Al-Majmoud—were killed while performing their duties. Officials did not specify the exact circumstances of their deaths but said they occurred during the ongoing regional security crisis. The deaths mark the latest casualties in Kuwait since hostilities connected to the conflict involving Iran escalated on Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported multiple drone attacks targeting its capital, Riyadh, for the second time on Sunday. The Saudi Defense Ministry said its forces shot down three drones over the city, including one headed toward the diplomatic quarter where several foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, are located. Another drone was intercepted in the Empty Quarter desert while heading toward the Shaybah oil field. Aviation tracking service Flightradar24 reported that several flights bound for Riyadh were diverted or turned back amid the unfolding security situation.

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