Missile and drone attacks across the Middle East cause civilian casualties, damage infrastructure, and disrupt aviation and energy supplies amid escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict.
KUALA LUMPUR: Military exchanges between Iran, Israel and the United States have intensified across the Middle East. Missile and drone attacks are causing civilian casualties and disrupting regional aviation and energy operations.
Regional tensions surged after large-scale US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28. This triggered a wave of retaliatory Iranian attacks targeting US interests and allied facilities.
Iran’s Red Crescent said nearly 10,000 civilian structures have been damaged since the conflict escalated. The organisation stated that 9,669 civilian units were affected, including 7,943 residential properties.
It added that 32 medical centres and 65 schools were also damaged. The strikes hit 13 Red Crescent facilities, 15 operational vehicles and 13 ambulances.
The Red Crescent said 11 medical personnel were killed and 33 others injured. New explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Sunday morning.
There were no immediate reports of new casualties or property damage. Since Feb 28, more than 1,200 people have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
This includes Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reported killed during the initial strikes. Several senior Iranian military officials also died.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would respond to attacks launched from any country. He stressed that Iran does not regard its neighbouring states as enemies.
“We stand strongly against and respond powerfully to those who attack our country,” Pezeshkian said during a visit to a health centre. He added that Iran views neighbouring countries as “brothers”.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran does not directly target neighbouring countries. He stated Tehran’s policy is to strike only military facilities belonging to its adversaries.
Despite these assurances, several Gulf states have reported attacks linked to Iran. In Bahrain, air defence systems intercepted 92 missiles and 151 drones since the start of Iranian attacks.
Fragments of an Iranian missile struck a university building in Muharraq, injuring three people. A facility near Salman Port in Manama was also targeted, triggering a fire.
Bahraini authorities urged residents to remain indoors unless necessary. They also advised people not to film military operations or damaged sites.
In Kuwait, air defence systems responded to hostile missile and drone attacks. The Interior Ministry confirmed two border security officers were killed while responding to overnight strikes.
Iran said it had targeted 14 US military bases in the region over the past seven days. Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said several US bases were completely destroyed.
He warned that vessels belonging to the US and Israel could be targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. “All ships are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those belonging to the US and Israel,” the spokesman said.
The conflict has also begun affecting regional energy supplies. Iran reduced the fuel purchase quota for personal fuel cards in Tehran from 30 litres to 20 litres.
This restriction followed strikes that targeted oil depots in Tehran and Alborz provinces. Iranian state television reported missile attacks damaged oil storage facilities in both provinces.
Kuwait has announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil production and refining operations. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the measure was a safety precaution.
Regional aviation has been severely disrupted by the escalating conflict. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates issued a mobile alert warning residents of a potential missile threat.
Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport resumed limited flight operations. Airports in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah were operating a reduced number of flights.
Major airlines including Emirates and Etihad Airways have resumed limited services. Passengers were advised that schedules remain subject to change.
Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace due to escalating tensions. Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways diverted flights to Saudi Arabia’s Qaisumah Airport.
Arriving passengers could continue to Kuwait by land. Departing passengers were required to hold valid Saudi visas to travel to the airport.
Elsewhere, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon damaged a government building in Tebnine. The strikes also caused casualties in nearby villages, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
Turkiye said it is continuing diplomatic contacts to help end the conflict. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said diplomacy remained the only viable solution.
He warned that prolonged conflict could threaten regional stability and global energy security.
