Gulf air defense systems have intercepted more than 3,133 Iranian missiles and drones targeting civilian and critical infrastructure across the region as the war involving Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other entered its 12th day.
The conflict has shifted from a phase of temporary military escalation to one of attrition, according to regional assessments.
Compiled statistics show that Saudi Arabia’s Royal Air Defense Forces have intercepted 25 missiles and 151 drones since the outbreak of hostilities. In the United Arab Emirates, defenses intercepted 270 missiles and 1,475 drones. Kuwait reported intercepting 239 missiles and 456 drones, while Qatar said it neutralized 143 missiles and 78 drones. Bahrain reported intercepting 106 missiles and 177 drones, and the Sultanate of Oman said it downed 13 drones.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said air defenses intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, about 80 kilometers southeast of Riyadh, and another missile targeting the Eastern Province.
Air defenses also shot down eight drones in the Eastern Province, seven in the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah oil field, five east of Al-Kharj, and two in Hafar Al-Batin, according to the ministry.
Oman
A security source in Oman said several drones were intercepted while others struck fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah, with no casualties reported.
Another drone was intercepted and one fell into the sea north of Duqm, again without casualties or material damage.
Omani authorities condemned the attacks and said they are taking all necessary measures to safeguard national security.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals also confirmed that petroleum products remain available across the country and that oil supplies have not been disrupted.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, adding that sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of missile interceptions and fighter aircraft downing drones.
In Dubai, two drones crashed near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people of different nationalities, according to the Government Media Office. Two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national sustained minor injuries, while an Indian national suffered moderate injury. Air traffic continued normally.
In Abu Dhabi, authorities contained a fire at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport caused by debris from an intercepted projectile. No injuries were reported.
Bahrain
Authorities in Bahrain reported hearing four explosions in different parts of the country, prompting the activation of warning sirens. The Ministry of Interior urged residents to remain calm and move to safe locations.
The Civil Aviation Affairs authority said several aircraft were relocated from Bahrain International Airport to alternative airports.
Qatar
The Qatari Ministry of Defense said the armed forces repelled a missile attack, while the Ministry of Interior later confirmed that the security threat had subsided and that conditions had returned to normal.
Earlier, authorities had urged residents to remain indoors and avoid windows and open areas.
The Qatar Chamber said market supplies of goods remain stable and unaffected despite the current situation, after reviewing potential challenges related to supply chains, storage, and prices.
Kuwait
The Kuwaiti National Guard said it shot down eight drones in areas secured by its forces.
Brig. Gen. Jadaan Fadel, the guard’s official spokesperson, said the action was part of ongoing efforts to protect vital sites and counter potential threats.
Separately, Jazeera Airways announced flights from Al-Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, and India.
Maritime Incident off Ras Al Khaimah
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received a report of an incident 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
The captain of a container ship reported damage from what is believed to be an unknown projectile. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but all crew members were reported safe and an investigation is underway.