Iran launched a barrage of missile and drone attacks on Kuwait today as its conflict with the United States intensified. The strikes forced the closure of Kuwait’s airspace, suspended all flight operations and damaged parts of the country’s power and water desalination infrastructure.

 

Air raid sirens sounded across Kuwait from the early hours, and authorities advised people to remain indoors and take shelter after missiles launched from Iran entered Kuwaiti airspace. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, claimed it targeted the Arifjan Ground Forces Support Centre in Kuwait during the 18th phase of its Operation Nasr 2. It alleged that several US troops stationed at the facility were killed.

 

The IRGC also claimed it carried out a drone strike on the radar installation at the US Ali Al Salem Air Base. It further said its naval forces targeted the US Navy’s fuel support pier at Kuwait’s Al Ahmadi Port with drones and missiles and struck a US signalling and communications hub in the country. These claims have not been independently verified.

According to Media reports, Kuwait closed its airspace and Kuwait Airways suspended all inbound and outbound flights at Kuwait International Airport. The airline said the decision was taken because of the rapidly deteriorating security situation.

 

The strikes also affected essential services. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a fire broke out at a section of a power and water desalination plant following the attacks.