VIDEO The Middle East under siege: Massive attack on the US Embassy in Iraq and strikes on refineries in the Emirates
A wave of coordinated attacks hit strategic points in the Gulf region overnight, forcing the temporary suspension of flights. Local and US defense systems intercepted missiles and drones, while key energy targets were hit, according to CNN.
The offensive directly targeted the US Embassy and a luxury hotel in Baghdad, while in the United Arab Emirates, attacks on oil infrastructure caused major fires and the temporary closure of airspace.
The main developments reported during Tuesday morning in the region:
Iran: The Israeli military said it had “launched a series of large-scale attacks” on the capital Tehran, targeting regime infrastructure. Iran's Red Crescent said early Tuesday that rescue teams were trying to reach a resident trapped under the rubble, while the Mehr news agency reported explosions in the capital.
Lebanon: The Israeli military announced a “new series of attacks” on Hezbollah targets in Beirut after launching an extensive ground operation in the country's south on Monday.
Israel: The emergency services signaled the launch of missiles from Iran, stating that there were no casualties. The Israeli military said its defensive systems intercepted the projectiles as sirens blared in the country's north.
Iraq: The U.S. Embassy and the Al-Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad were targeted by drones Tuesday morning, according to CNN geolocated images. Air defenses shot down a projectile near the embassy, and the Majnoon oil field was also attacked.
United Arab Emirates: The General Authority for Civil Aviation has temporarily closed the airspace amid “rapid security developments”.
Operations at the Shah gas field and the Fujairah industrial area have been suspended following fires caused by drones. An oil tanker at anchor reported being hit by an “unknown projectile”.
Qatar: Armed forces intercepted a missile attack, falling debris causing a minor fire in an industrial area.
Kuwait: Air defenses responded to “hostile missile and drone threats”, with the armed forces warning that the explosions heard were the result of intercepts.
Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Defense said it had intercepted and destroyed more than a dozen drones in the eastern part of the country.
