DUBAI — Iran has unleashed a new wave of attacks across the Gulf, targeting Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, following Tehran’s continuous threats of dragging the Gulf countries back into its escalating confrontation with the US over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran carried out extensive attacks on Qatar again with two waves of ballistic missile airstrikes at 3:30 am and 5:45 am local time (2:30 am and 4:45 am CET) on Friday morning.
Euronews reported from across Doha that the air-raid mobile alerts woke the city, urging residents to shelter.
The capital was shaken twice by the loud booms of the missile interceptions by Qatar’s air defence and the ensuing shockwaves.
Authorities reported that one child was injured by falling shrapnel in the city. The injured minor was receiving necessary medical care at the time of the announcement.
Qatar’s military intercepted all incoming missiles which appeared to be targeting the Al-Udeid US airbase, the largest in the Middle East, which the US has been using to carry out its strikes in Iran over the last week.
The strikes came at the end of Qatar’s four-day national mourning period to commemorate the passing of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Doha on Wednesday to “meet with Qatari authorities and offer his condolences,” according to Iran’s foreign ministry.
Iranian military has renewed its attacks on neighbouring countries in recent days, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, following the collapse of the ceasefire and the interim deal with the US, which was meant to serve as a way to reach a final peace deal.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said on Friday the fire that broke out at one of its power generation and water distillation plants was brought under control after it was attacked by Iran, affecting a large number of electricity generation units.
In a statement, the ministry said that the attack prompted the activation of emergency plans to contain the impact and maintain grid stability.
It added that Kuwait Fire Force teams brought the fire under control, while the ministry’s emergency and technical teams, in coordination with relevant authorities, began assessing the damage, securing the plant and restoring affected units to service as quickly as possible.
Iran’s IRGC had confirmed it launched missiles on Qatar in previous incidents, claiming it was targeting Al-Udeid.
Qatar is one of the key mediators in the talks between the two sides, together with Pakistan.
Source: Saudi Gazette