Iran Launches Drone Strikes on US Bases in Middle East Amid Escalating Conflict
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a series of drone attacks targeting US military facilities across the Middle East, including bases in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The IRGC announced that 230 drones were deployed in what it described as one of its "first powerful steps" in response to the ongoing conflict, which intensified after coordinated US-Israeli strikes began on February 28.
The attacks have resulted in casualties and significant disruptions. In Kuwait, an 11-year-old girl died from injuries caused by falling shrapnel. The incident occurred after drones targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Arifjan, both hosting US troops. In Iraq, a drone strike hit a logistical support facility near the US embassy in Baghdad, following a similar attempted attack the previous day. Two drones also targeted a US military base and a hotel in Erbil, located in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.
Saudi Arabia's defense ministry reported intercepting and destroying a drone in the Eastern Province. Additionally, a projectile struck the Ras Tanura refinery, the country's largest oil refinery, operated by Saudi Aramco. This incident followed the temporary shutdown of operations at the plant due to a fire caused by debris from intercepted Iranian drones.
The UAE faced multiple attacks, with drones targeting the US consulate in Dubai and a port in Fujairah. The UAE's Defense Ministry stated that its defenses downed three ballistic missiles and 121 drones, although eight drones managed to land within the country. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US consulate in the UAE were also targeted, prompting the US State Department to authorize the evacuation of nonemergency personnel.
France has intervened, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirming that French Rafale jets neutralized Iranian drones targeting the UAE. Qatar's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 10 drones and two cruise missiles launched from Iran, leading to the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights due to airspace closure.
The conflict escalated following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite the intensity of the initial attacks, reports suggest a decrease in the volume and frequency of drone strikes. However, the potential for airspace closures and disruptions remains a significant concern for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries involved in the conflict.