Casualties at Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports Amid Regional Attacks
One person has died and 11 others were injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi following attacks launched by Iran across the Middle East. These strikes are in response to a large-scale and ongoing offensive against Iran by the US and Israel.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that a drone targeting Zayed International Airport (AUH) was intercepted, resulting in
"falling debris"that caused the death of one individual and injuries to seven others.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognized as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic, sustained damage in an
"incident"that injured four staff members, according to official sources.
Thousands of flights to and from the region have been grounded, marking one of the most significant disruptions to global air travel since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Continued Retaliatory Strikes and Regional Impact
Iran's retaliatory strikes persisted on Sunday, with explosions reported in Doha, Dubai, and Manama. The country has deployed ballistic missiles and drones to conduct extensive attacks on US allies and assets throughout the Gulf region. These actions followed the killing of Iran's supreme leader amid the ongoing US-Israel air offensive initiated on Saturday morning.
Several countries hosting US military bases, including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, reported intercepting missiles fired in their direction. However, falling debris from these interceptions appears to have caused widespread damage.
In Dubai, debris from an
"aerial interception"ignited a fire at a berth within the Jebel Ali deep sea port, which ranks as the world's ninth busiest port.
Additionally, on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's upscale seafront promenade, the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel was struck by a significant explosion. BBC-verified video footage shows a large fire with thick black smoke rising into the sky.
Authorities also confirmed that debris from an intercepted drone caused a
"minor fire"on the exterior facade of the five-star Burj Al Arab hotel.
Further Attacks in Bahrain and Oman
In Bahrain, the interior ministry reported that the airport was damaged after being targeted by a drone. There were unconfirmed reports of ongoing attacks on Sunday morning.
On Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for striking the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, located in Manama, Bahrain's capital. Large plumes of black smoke were observed rising near the base.
Meanwhile, Oman's state news agency reported that the Duqm commercial port was targeted by two drones, resulting in injuries to one worker.
