One person died and 63 were injured in a drone strike on Kuwait International Airport's passenger terminal on Wednesday, according to Kuwaiti officials. The attack occurred as tensions flared between Iran and US forces in the Gulf region. Kuwait's military labeled the strike an act of "criminal Iranian aggression," while Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed it targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base, asserting the base hosts US military helicopters. The group accused Kuwait and Bahrain of allowing US forces to use their territory for attacks on Iran, including a strike on a tanker and a communications tower on Qeshm Island.
The deceased was identified as an Indian national present at the airport, according to an airport source speaking to AFP. Health ministry spokesperson Abdullah al-Sanad stated that 25 ambulances responded and 63 people received treatment for injuries such as head wounds, cerebral hemorrhages, amputations, and blast-related trauma. Air traffic was suspended following the attack, with incoming flights diverted, though Kuwait Airways later resumed operations. The airport had only fully reopened on Monday after previous disruptions during the ongoing conflict.
Iran did not claim responsibility for striking the civilian airport. Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command (Centcom) reported intercepting or disabling multiple Iranian missiles and drones, with two missiles aimed at Kuwait falling short or breaking apart mid-flight and three targeting Bahrain intercepted by US and Bahraini defenses. Bahrain confirmed it had intercepted three missiles and several drones. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called for a unified Gulf response, stating Iran's actions threatened all Gulf states.
The escalation followed indirect talks in Washington between US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Hezbollah remained the sole obstacle to an agreement. Hezbollah official Mahmud Qomati stated the group would not accept a partial ceasefire. The Israeli military also reported intercepting a hostile aircraft from Lebanon, the first such incursion in over 24 hours.
Iran denies targeting Kuwait's civilian airport yet claims responsibility for striking a military base in the same country, creating confusion over its actual objectives. The injury of 63 people, including severe trauma cases, exposes the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure even when military sites are the stated target. Residents like Hassan Sheikh, a Pakistani national, now live under the constant fear of nighttime explosions, with children witnessing the collapse of normal life. If Gulf states continue hosting foreign military assets, they risk becoming permanent battlegrounds in conflicts not of their making.
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