Fire Contained After Attack on Kuwaiti Vessel
Dubai: An apparent Iranian drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai Port, triggering a fire that authorities later extinguished, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The vessel, identified as Al-Salmi and operated under the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil when the incident occurred.
According to officials, the tanker sustained damage after the strike while anchored off the coast of Dubai. However, emergency response teams quickly contained the fire, and authorities reported no casualties or oil leakage. Nevertheless, KPC initially warned of a potential spill, raising environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions across Dubai overnight, indicating heightened military activity. Authorities confirmed that air defence systems remained active, with jets patrolling the skies as tensions intensified.
Regional Attacks Raise Security Concerns Across Gulf
Furthermore, the attack forms part of a broader pattern of escalating incidents across the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel intensified in late February.
In addition, other maritime and aerial attacks were reported across the region. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted multiple drones and ballistic missiles targeting key areas, including Riyadh. Similarly, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait reported intercepting incoming threats overnight.
Moreover, debris from intercepted projectiles injured four civilians in southern Dubai, highlighting the ุฎุทุฑ to populated areas. Separate incidents involving commercial vessels near Oman and Saudi waters have further raised alarms about maritime security.
Despite the escalation, Iranian officials stated that their operations target US military assets rather than civilian infrastructure. However, recent incidents have increased regional anxiety and prompted calls for restraint.
Consequently, analysts warn that continued attacks on energy routes and infrastructure could disrupt global oil supplies and deepen instability across the Gulf.
