Dubai: Israel, backed by the United States, is at war with Iran. And the Middle East is caught in the crossfire.
Hit hard by joint strikes on Saturday, Iran continued its retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Witnesses told Reuters they heard loud explosions in Dubai, with plumes of smoke and fire seen in the Palm Island neighbourhood.
The iconic Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, was evacuated by authorities as a precautionary measure as the administration advised people to stay inside and remain vigilant.
Flight operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, were suspended keeping in mind the safety of passengers.
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised
not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights. We appreciate the cooperation of our guests,” a statement said.
In neighbouring Abu Dhabi, Iranian strikes killed at least one person. The Gulf nation warned Iran, saying it would take all necessary steps to maintain its security.
Kuwait’s state news agency reported that a drone targeted Kuwait International Airport, causing light injuries to some workers and limited material damage.
Iranian forces claim hitting 14 bases, killing over 100 US soldiers
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that Tehran had targeted 14 bases in retaliatory operations after Tehran was attacked, and that hundreds of US soldiers were killed. The statement was covered by Iranian media.
The United States has not commented on Iran’s claims yet.
No ship allowed through Strait of Hormuz, Iran guards tell vessels
An official of European Union’s naval mission Aspides said that commercial vessels in the region have picked up VHF radio messages from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warning that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz”, Reuters reported.