A drone strike triggered a fire at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, marking another escalation in the widening West Asia conflict. Authorities said the attack struck a fuel storage tank, setting off a blaze that was later brought under control with no reported casualties.
Officials described the damage as limited, though the incident prompted swift emergency action and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Firefighters Contain Blaze After Fuel Tank Hit
According to Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, emergency teams responded immediately after the strike ignited flames at the airport. Fire crews worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other facilities, as reported by AFP.
Agency spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi said the impact was “limited,” confirming that firefighters were continuing operations to fully extinguish the blaze. Preliminary assessments indicated that the attack caused only material damage.
Air Defences Activated Across Kuwait
The Kuwait National Guard reported intercepting six drones earlier in the day, while the Kuwaiti military said its air defence systems were actively engaging incoming threats.
In an official statement, authorities reassured residents that loud explosions heard in the capital were the result of defensive interceptions targeting missiles and drones, rather than direct hits on populated areas.
Iran Claims Responsibility For Regional Strikes
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Iranian state media said “precision-guided” weapons were used in the attacks.
Kuwait confirmed its air defence systems were responding to the strikes, though so far the damage reported within the country has been confined to infrastructure.
Repeated Attacks Disrupt Aviation In Gulf
Wednesday’s strike is the latest in a string of attacks targeting Kuwait’s main airport since the conflict intensified on February 28. Earlier incidents include a March 14 drone strike on radar systems and a March 8 attack that damaged fuel storage facilities. A separate strike on a passenger terminal had left several people with minor injuries.
The ongoing hostilities have significantly disrupted air travel across the Gulf region. Airlines have either suspended or reduced operations due to security risks and logistical challenges, including fuel supply concerns.
In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, authorities reported intercepting four drones in eastern provinces, underscoring the broader regional spread of the conflict.
Security Tightened As Investigations Begin
Kuwaiti authorities have launched investigations into the latest attack while stepping up security at key infrastructure sites, including airports and energy facilities.
The repeated targeting of Kuwait International Airport highlights growing risks to civilian infrastructure as the conflict intensifies, raising fears of further disruptions and potential escalation in the days ahead.
