Dubai: A series of explosions were reported from the Jebel Ali industrial area in Dubai a few hours ago. Videos have been posted on social media, showing thick plumes of smoke covering the night sky.
It is not known whether the explosions were the result of drone or missile strikes or an industrial accident. Reports, however, said that two persons have been arrested for filming the incident.
Iran’s Mehr news agency has cited Emirati officials and said that at least seven blasts occurred in 20 minutes.
According to Iraqi news outlets, a missile attack was launched on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Yemen amid the ongoing US-Iran war. The Emirati media has, however, published no official account about the cause of the explosions, as reported by NDTV.
NASA thermal imagery, meanwhile, indicated a fire erupted at a warehouse adjacent to the port that was used for fuel storage and transfer.
No casualty or damage figures from the incident were immediately available.
Residents in nearby Al Furjan also confirmed to AOL news that they heard ‘thuds’ at a similar time when the blasts were reported.
Jebel Ali, located roughly 25 miles to the south west of Dubai city centre, is one of the UAE’s crucial shopping hubs. It is home to the artificial archipelago Palm Jebel Ali and is a free trade zone next to the world’s largest man-made harbour so international shipping can flow freely.
The UAE has been on high alert throughout the US-Iran War, given that it has been a frequent target of Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on US allies in the region.
