Middle East nations report attacks amid Iran-US ceasefire agreement

Multiple Strikes Reported Across Gulf Region Amid Ceasefire Announcement

A series of missile and drone attacks have been reported across several Gulf nations in the hours following a two-week ceasefire announcement between the US and Iran. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed that its air defences are actively engaging incoming missiles and drones from Iran, with reports indicating that air defence systems intercepted ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The UAE’s Defence Ministry stated that the air defences were dealing with missiles and drones coming from Iran, resulting in injuries to two Emiratis and one Indian national. Operations at Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas complex were also suspended due to falling debris, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Kuwait reported intercepting a wave of Iranian drones launched since 8am, targeting vital oil facilities, power stations, and water desalination plants, causing serious infrastructure damage. The Kuwaiti army stated that air defence systems responded to “intense hostile Iranian attacks,” dealing with a total of 28 drones.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior also reported alleged Iranian attacks, resulting in injuries to two people and damage to houses in the Sitra area. Explosions were heard in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, with smoke rising from an area on Sitra Island that hosts Bahrain’s principal energy facilities.

Iranian state television confirmed the missile and drone attacks, stating they were carried out in response to the bombing of Iranian oil facilities on Wednesday. Despite the continued attacks after the truce announcement, there is hope that the ceasefire will hold, with some analysts suggesting that the violations may be due to communication issues within Iran’s military command.

The US and Iran agreed to the ceasefire just hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the obliteration of Iran was set to expire. Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile barrages from Iran over recent weeks in response to US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28.

Source: Al Jazeera