Kuwait intercepts new wave of missiles and drones amid regional escalation

2026-03-04 - 09:52

Kuwaiti forces scrambled Wednesday to intercept a new barrage of missiles and drones detected in the nation's airspace, the Defense Ministry announced, marking the latest instance of Gulf states being drawn into the widening conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces. The ministry stated on social media platform X that the armed forces "are currently dealing with a wave of missiles and drones" and are conducting their mission "to intercept and counter" the incoming projectiles. Military readiness affirmed The statement, issued through the country's General Staff of the Armed Forces, emphasized that Kuwait maintains full preparedness to address all threats to safeguard the nation's territory, airspace, and the safety of both residents and citizens. The ministry did not provide details on the source of the drones and missiles, though Iran has been conducting retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries hosting US assets since Saturday's US-Israeli attacks on Tehran. Gulf states under fire Kuwait's interception operations follow similar defensive actions across the Gulf region. The UAE reported Tuesday that it has faced more than 1,000 Iranian attacks since the escalation began, with its air defenses intercepting 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones. Qatar experienced explosions over Doha as air defenses activated, while the CIA station within the US Embassy in Riyadh was struck by drones, causing structural damage. Saudi Arabia has also reported multiple interception operations. Regional conflict widens Saturday's US-Israeli large-scale attack on Iran has killed nearly 800 people, according to Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior commanders. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting American military assets, forcing regional states to defend their skies while attempting to avoid being drawn directly into the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to maritime traffic, crippling oil exports and sending energy prices soaring.