An Iranian drone attack caused a fire near Aeroporto Internacional of Dubai this Monday (16), leading to the temporary suspension of flights at the world’s main air hub. Equipes civil defense personnel controlled the flames in a nearby fuel tank, with no injuries reported at the scene. Em Abu Dhabi, a missile fell on a civilian vehicle and caused the death of one person. Autoridades of Fujairah reported a fire in an industrial area after another drone attack. Países of Golfo, like Bahrein, Kuwait, Catar, and Arábia Saudita, intercepted drones and missiles launched by Irã.
The conflict in Oriente Médio enters its 17th day since the start of joint bombing raids by Estados Unidos and Israel against Irã on 28 February. Os Emirados Árabes Unidos have recorded the highest number of direct attacks, with over 1,800 missiles and drones launched by Teerã since the start of the war. Emirati air defenses intercepted most of the projectiles, but indirect impacts affected civil infrastructure in several regions.
Suspension of operations at Dubai airport
Gabinete of Imprensa of Dubai reported that some flights were diverted to Aeroporto Internacional Al Maktoum as a precaution. Autoridade of Aviação Civil suspended operations at the main airport to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Authorities have not announced a deadline for the full resumption of airline activities.
Emergency teams acted quickly to contain the fire caused by the impact of the drone. The incident occurred in an area close to the terminals, which raised the alert level at one of the busiest airports globally.
Fatal incident in Abu Dhabi
Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed the death of a Palestinian after a missile landed on a civilian vehicle in the area of Al Bahyan. The press office of the Emirati capital released a statement about the incident and reported that teams responded immediately to the scene.
The attack is part of a series of Iranian retaliations against Golfo countries that host American military bases. Os Emirados Árabes Unidos normalized relations with Israel in 2020, which intensified the targets chosen by Teerã.
Fire hits industrial zone in Fujairah
A fire broke out in the industrial area of Fujairah on Monday morning after a drone attack. Equipes of Defesa Civil work to control the flames, with no reports of injuries so far. The emirate had already recorded a fire at an oil installation on Saturday, caused by debris from an intercepted drone.
Fujairah is home to one of the largest oil storage and export facilities in the Oriente Médio. Operações oil loading operations were partially suspended due to the incident, which affects the flow of energy in the region.
Interceptions in other Golfo countries
Arábia Saudita announced the interception of multiple waves of drones in the east of the country. Ministério of Defesa destroyed 12 drones in the last wave, in addition to others shot down in previous actions. In total, 37 drones were neutralized in morning attacks.
Catar reported interception of all drones that entered its airspace on Sunday night. No Kuwait, Aeroporto Internacional suffered damage to radar equipment, although Irã denies direct involvement in these incidents.
Iranian justification and regional condemnations
Irã argues that the attacks target American bases in Golfo countries, considered legitimate targets after the initial bombings against Teerã. Infraestrutura civil, including airports and oil installations, were impacted in several emirates.
The president of the Emirados Árabes Unidos, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the crown prince of the Arábia Saudita, Mohammed bin Países of Conselho of Cooperação of Golfo, Reino Unido and Jordânia issued a joint statement calling for immediate de-escalation.
Balance of victims in the Emirados
The Ministério of the Defesa of the Emirados Árabes Unidos has recorded six deaths since the start of the conflict, including four civilians and two military personnel in a helicopter accident attributed to technical failure. Ataques earlier near Dubai airport injured four people three days ago.
The Golfo countries have reported more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks in total since the start of the war. Air defenses intercepted the vast majority, but the incidents disrupted routines in financial and tourist centers.
Continuation of attacks on Teerã
Israel has launched a new wave of airstrikes against the Iranian capital, described as one of the most intense so far. Quase 1,500 civilians died in Irã, and more than three million people were displaced from their homes.
Sociedade of Crescente Vermelho Iraniano reported damage to a clinic and humanitarian aid station in Teerã. Hospitais and health facilities in several Iranian regions have suffered damage since the bombings began.
