Kuwait says its armed forces intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones that entered the country’s airspace early today, amid a sharp escalation in regional tensions linked to the confrontation between Iran and the United States.In a statement, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense said missile interceptions took place over several residential areas, resulting in falling debris. The ministry added that civilian and vital facilities were targeted, including parts of Kuwait International Airport. The attacks killed one Indian expatriate, injured several others, and caused significant material damage.Kuwaiti authorities urged citizens and residents not to approach impact sites or share images and videos of damaged locations and military interception operations on social media, citing public safety and security concerns.
The Ministry of Health said emergency plans were activated, with readiness raised across hospitals and medical teams mobilised. Twenty-five ambulances were deployed to Kuwait International Airport for triage and evacuation. A total of 63 injuries were received, ranging from fractures and head injuries to blast-related trauma and smoke inhalation. Seven major surgeries have been conducted so far, with intensive care units on high alert.
Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah later visited those injured in the incident and received briefings from medical teams on their condition and ongoing treatment. He wished the victims a speedy recovery and reviewed the support provided to them.Despite the attack, aviation authorities said operations at Terminal 5 of Kuwait International Airport have resumed following detailed inspections. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that technical assessments found no damage affecting operational safety, allowing flights operated by Jazeera Airways to restart.
Meanwhile, neighboring Bahrain announced that a previously declared ban on travel to Iran and Iraq has officially taken effect as security tensions continue across the region. The Bahraini Interior Ministry said the measure was introduced to safeguard citizens during the current crisis.Separately, the U.S. Central Command rejected claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that it had successfully struck the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region. CENTCOM said all Iranian attacks against American forces had failed and that U.S. personnel remained prepared to respond to any further threats.
