Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain War News Live Updates: Rising tensions in the West Asia war involving the United States, Israel and Iran have triggered fresh security concerns across the Gulf region. According to a report by the New York Times, the US State Department has asked some of its staff in Saudi Arabia to leave the country after recent drone attacks targeted the US embassy in Riyadh.
The development comes as Iranian missile and drone strikes continue to hit several Gulf nations, raising fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Iranian strikes hit key locations in UAE
Over the past week, several Iranian attacks have struck important locations in the United Arab Emirates. Targets reportedly included Abu Dhabi airport, the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel and the upscale Palm Jumeirah development.
Drone debris also caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai earlier this week. Meanwhile, Dubai’s main international airport was briefly shut down on Saturday after Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf region.
United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed issued a strong warning to those targeting the country. During a hospital visit to meet people injured in the attacks, he said the UAE should not be seen as weak despite its prosperity.
“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh, we are no easy prey,” he said, warning enemies not to misjudge the nation.
Gulf nations intercept missiles amid rising tensions
Several Gulf countries reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. Qatar’s defence ministry said Iran fired about 12 missiles toward the country on Saturday, but six ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles were intercepted. Two missiles fell into territorial waters and two landed in an uninhabited area.
Saudi Arabia also said it intercepted a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh, while Kuwait’s military reported responding to a wave of hostile drones entering its airspace.
