Iran launches new missile, drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait; US strikes radar sites
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait early Saturday, escalating regional tensions.
- The U.S. military reported downing four attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz and striking Iranian coastal radar sites in response.
- Bahrain and Kuwait condemned the attacks as "blatant aggression" and a "dangerous escalation," while debris caused material damage in Kuwait.
Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait early Saturday, further heightening tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The United States military announced it had intercepted multiple threats, downing four attack drones near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and striking Iranian coastal radar sites in retaliation.
We woke up to a huge explosion. The explosions were very loud. My children were terrified, and I couldnโt calm them down.
Bahrain and Kuwait reported intercepting seven Iranian missiles and several drones. Bahrain's Interior Ministry denounced the attacks as "blatant aggression" and a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of both countries." Air raid sirens were heard in Bahrain's capital, Manama, and the military confirmed the destruction of three missiles and several drones. Kuwait also condemned the assaults, labeling them a "direct threat" to citizens and residents and a "dangerous escalation" amidst international efforts for a ceasefire.
In Kuwait, explosions were heard near the international airport, which had been targeted in a previous attack blamed on Iran. While air defenses engaged seven hostile ballistic missiles, some interceptions over residential areas resulted in falling debris, causing material damage but no reported casualties. Kuwait's aviation authority temporarily closed its airspace, diverting flights before resuming normal operations.
Bahrain denounced the attacks against its territory and neighbouring Kuwait as โblatant aggressionโ and โa flagrant violation of the sovereignty of both countriesโ.
Several other regional nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, joined in condemning the attacks, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, stating they targeted "enemy bases" following the U.S. strikes on Iranian radar sites. This exchange marks the second attack on Bahrain and Kuwait since Wednesday, intensifying concerns over regional stability.
Kuwait also condemned the attacks, calling them a โdirect threatโ to the lives of citizens and residents and a โdangerous escalationโ at a time when the international community was making efforts to stop combat operations.
Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.