Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Several Gulf Arab states said they were targeted by Iranian missiles on Saturday after Tehran pledged to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli strikes. Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan and Bahrain reported missile interceptions or impacts.
Missile interceptions and reported strike in Bahrain
Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan, all of which host a U.S. military presence, said they had intercepted Iranian missiles. Bahrain confirmed an attack inside its territory and said a service centre of the U.S. Fifth Fleet had been struck.
Casualty reported in Abu Dhabi
One person was killed in Abu Dhabi, UAE state media reported, without providing further details.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards 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,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said.
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 due to missile threats.
One witness told Reuters 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 hearing loud booms. Fighter jets could be seen flying around the Yas Island area of Abu Dhabi on Saturday afternoon.
Smoke and sirens in Bahrain
Video from a Reuters witness showed a plume of grey smoke rising near Bahrain’s coast as sirens wailed.
Blasts heard in Doha after intercept, embassy warning
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, many residents initially carried on their usual activities, including shoppers in supermarkets and beachgoers heading to the seaside, while a yellow double-decker tour bus filled with tourists drove through the city’s West Bay district.
How are authorities in your area advising residents to respond to the missile threat?
