Kuwait closes airspace after Iranian missile strikes; power and water infrastructure affected
Kuwait shut its airspace and suspended all flight operations on Saturday after Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities in the Gulf nation, marking another sharp escalation in the widening confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
Air raid sirens sounded across several parts of Kuwait during the early hours of the day as authorities urged residents to remain indoors and follow emergency safety instructions. The security situation also prompted Kuwait Airways to suspend both inbound and outbound flights from Kuwait International Airport after the government closed the country's airspace.
According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its forces targeted Camp Arifjan, a major US military logistics facility in Kuwait, during what it described as the 18th phase of "Operation Nasr 2." The IRGC claimed the strike caused casualties among US personnel stationed at the base. The claims have not been independently verified.
The IRGC also said it carried out a drone strike against the radar system at the US Ali Al Salem Air Base. In separate statements carried by Iranian state media, the force claimed attacks on a US Navy fuel support facility at Kuwait's Al Ahmadi Port as well as a US communications and signalling centre inside the country.
While Iranian claims regarding damage to military facilities remain unverified, Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that the attacks affected civilian infrastructure.
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a fire broke out at one component of a power generation and water desalination facility following the latest developments, prompting precautionary shutdowns of several generating units.
"This necessitated precautionary operational measures, consisting of disconnecting a number of generating units to preserve the safety of the plant and its workers and to ensure the stability of the electrical grid," the ministry said in a statement.
Officials added that emergency response plans were activated immediately to minimise disruptions to electricity and water services, with technical teams continuing around-the-clock monitoring of the country's utility network.
The aviation sector also witnessed immediate disruption. Kuwait Airways confirmed that all scheduled operations at Kuwait International Airport had been suspended after authorities ordered the closure of national airspace as a precaution amid the deteriorating regional security environment. The airline had earlier announced flight schedule adjustments before the complete suspension of operations.
Kuwait hosts several strategically important US military installations and has long served as a key logistics and operational hub for American forces in the Gulf, making it a significant location amid the expanding regional conflict.
As the security situation continues to evolve, authorities are closely monitoring developments while emergency services remain on high alert.
With ANI inputs