Drone strike hits Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery, fire reported

A drone strike early Friday triggered a fire in parts of Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said. Emergency and firefighting teams activated response plans and were working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading, the corporation told the Kuwait News Agency. No injuries were reported, and precautionary measures were taken to protect workers and facilities.

Environmental monitoring

The corporation added it is coordinating with the Environment Public Authority to monitor air quality in surrounding areas, with no negative environmental impact recorded so far. The refinery is one of Kuwait's largest oil processing facilities, making it a significant target in Iran's ongoing retaliatory campaign.

Regional context

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Gulf under attack

Kuwait has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict. Earlier Friday, Kuwait announced it had repelled missile and drone attacks, while Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its airspace and Bahrain activated warning sirens three times overnight. The attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have contributed to global oil price volatility, with Brent crude above $116 per barrel.