Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Several Gulf Arab states said they were targeted by Iranian missiles on Saturday after Tehran pledged to retaliate against strikes by the United States and Israel. The UAE state media reported one death in Abu Dhabi without providing details.
Missile interceptions reported across the region
Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, all of which have a U.S. military presence, said they had intercepted Iranian missiles.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in a statement: “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 confirms attack
Bahrain confirmed an attack inside its territory and said a service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet had been struck. Video from a Reuters witness showed a plume of grey smoke rising near the country’s coast as sirens wailed.
Explosions and alerts in Abu Dhabi
Loud booms were heard across Abu Dhabi, according to five witnesses, including two Reuters correspondents. Some residents received a phone alert instructing them to shelter in the closest secure building and stay away from windows because of missile threats.
One witness said she heard five booms in rapid succession that caused windows in a house near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to vibrate. Other witnesses in the Al Dhafra and Bateen areas also reported loud booms.
Fighter jets were seen flying around the Yas Island area of Abu Dhabi on Saturday afternoon.
Blasts heard in Doha after interception statement
In Qatar, the military said it had intercepted incoming Iranian missiles before they reached Qatari territory after “joint coordination.” Several successive waves of blasts were heard in the capital, Doha.
After the U.S. Embassy issued a warning to take shelter in Doha, many residents continued their usual activities, with shoppers in supermarkets, beachgoers heading to the seaside, and a yellow double-decker tour bus carrying tourists through the West Bay district.
How has the missile threat affected your daily routine where you live?