Tensions in the Middle East escalated as explosions were heard in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, Abu Dhabi, as well as in Dubai; Doha; and Riyadh, hours after Israel and the United States launched what they described as “major combat operations” against Iran.
One person was killed in Abu Dhabi after authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they had intercepted missiles fired from Iran, Reuters reported.
One witness told the news agency that she heard five booms in rapid succession, causing the windows of a house near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to vibrate.
Meanwhile, several loud explosions were reported across the Saudi capital, according to AFP. Two correspondents in Riyadh said they heard a loud bang followed by several explosions after Iran vowed to retaliate against the attacks by the United States and Israel.
What happened in Doha?
Explosions were also heard in Qatar as Iran launched a counterattack following a joint US-Israeli campaign targeting the Islamic republic.
Shailja, an Indian resident of Doha, told the Hindustan Times: “There were sounds of explosions, but they seemed to be from a long distance, probably mid-air missiles.”
The 50-year-old mother of two daughters said they are following precautionary measures and staying at home. “We hope to fly to India as soon as the airspace opens. So far there has been no damage in our area. But we are keeping watch and keeping close.”
Why did the United Arab Emirates close its airspace?
Earlier, the UAE closed its airspace when Israel and the US carried out strikes on Iran.
The United Arab Emirates said it had intercepted Iranian missiles and reserved the right to respond, while Kuwait also launched incoming strikes on Saturday.
“The Ministry of Defense announced that the United Arab Emirates was exposed to an apparent attack by Iranian ballistic missiles today. The UAE’s air defenses responded with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles,” AFP quoted the UAE statement as saying.
How did Abu Dhabi respond?
Abu Dhabi said it “reserves the full right to respond”, calling the attacks a “dangerous escalation”.
The United States Embassy in the United Arab Emirates ordered its staff, along with staff at the United States Consulate General Dubai, to shelter in place amid the evolving security situation. In a post on X, she shared helpline numbers and email addresses for US citizens and urged people to move to safe places.
Where did the strikes in Tehran begin?
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, with the first reported strike near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Residents of Tehran reportedly heard loud explosions as tensions escalated after what Israel described as a pre-emptive military strike.
