Kuwait air defenses intercepting 'hostile' missiles and drones

Kuwait's Army General Staff announced Monday that air defense systems are actively intercepting "hostile" missiles and drones targeting the country. The military warned residents that explosion sounds may be heard across Kuwait as a result of the interceptions, urging the public to follow safety instructions from relevant authorities.

No immediate reports of damage

There have been no initial reports of casualties or damage from the ongoing attacks. While Kuwait did not explicitly identify the source of the threats, the latest hostilities come amid the broader regional conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb. 28. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Gulf countries hosting US military assets, drawing Kuwait into the crossfire.

Mounting toll of attacks

According to data compiled by the Kuwaiti Army, the Kuwaiti National Guard, the Kuwaiti Center For Government Communication and the official KUNA news agency, Kuwait has been targeted by at least 261 missiles and 585 drones since the war began. The sustained barrage underscores the Gulf state's exposure to the expanding conflict, even as its air defenses continue to intercept incoming projectiles.

Ongoing threat

The repeated attacks on Kuwait highlight the broader regional instability as the US-Israeli campaign against Iran continues to draw Gulf nations into the conflict. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to most shipping and Iran maintaining its retaliatory strikes, Kuwait remains on high alert to protect its territory and population from further attacks.