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Beit Shemesh hit as Iran launches retaliatory strikes
At least nine people died and 27 were injured in a missile attack on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, emergency services reported on Sunday. The strike occurred as Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and drones across the Middle East in response to a joint U.S.-Israel offensive that began on Saturday.
Casualties and damage reported across Gulf states
One fatality was confirmed in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted drone struck near Zayed International Airport, injuring seven others. Kuwait's Health Ministry reported one death and 32 injuries, all foreign nationals, from falling debris following missile interceptions. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest by passenger traffic, sustained damage in an unspecified incident that injured four staff members.
Widespread disruptions to air travel
Thousands of flights to and from the region were grounded, marking one of the most severe disruptions to global air traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubai's Jebel Ali port, the world's ninth-busiest, also reported a fire in a berth caused by debris from an aerial interception.
Iran targets U.S. allies amid escalating conflict
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for strikes on the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The attack sent plumes of black smoke rising near the base. Bahrain's interior ministry confirmed damage to its airport from a drone strike, with unconfirmed reports of ongoing attacks on Sunday morning.
"We saw destroyed homes, flames, and smoke rising from residential buildings, wrecked cars, and significant chaos at the scene."
Dror Eini, Magen David Adom paramedic
Regional mediation efforts strained
Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait-all hosting U.S. military bases-reported intercepting Iranian missiles, though falling debris caused injuries and structural damage. Oman's Duqm port was also targeted, injuring one worker. Qatari officials stated that 65 missiles and 12 drones were launched by Iran on Saturday, with most intercepted but eight people injured by debris.
Residents describe chaos and resilience
Dubai resident Becky Williams told the BBC she witnessed approximately 15 missiles launched from behind her home as UAE forces intercepted incoming projectiles. Despite the chaos, she expressed confidence in the military's ability to defend the country. Another resident, a 34-year-old in Dubai, noted that the past 24 hours offered perspective on the broader suffering in conflict zones.
Luxury hotels in Dubai, including the Fairmont The Palm and Burj Al Arab, were damaged by explosions and fires from intercepted drones. Authorities described the incidents as "minor" but confirmed structural impacts.
Uncertainty looms after Iran's supreme leader killed
The strikes followed the death of Iran's supreme leader in the U.S.-Israel offensive, raising concerns about further escalation. Gulf states, which had previously mediated U.S.-Iran tensions, now face direct military consequences despite their diplomatic efforts. The future stability of the region remains in question as retaliatory actions continue.
