Iran launches strikes on US bases in Kuwait; air defence intercepts missiles, drones

Iran on Wednesday launched strikes on US military bases in Kuwait in retaliation for what it described as American "hostile actions" in the Persian Gulf, Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB claimed."Following the hostile actions of the US in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island, American bases in Kuwait were hit," it said.Meanwhile, Kuwait said that its air defence systems had intercepted incoming missiles and drones as loud explosions were heard in several parts of the country amid rising tensions in the Gulf.In a statement, the Kuwaiti Army's General Staff said the sounds reported by residents were linked to operations carried out by air defence units while dealing with hostile aerial targets."Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks," it said.The military later cautioned the public against approaching any debris, shrapnel or unidentified objects that may have fallen following the interceptions, saying such materials could be hazardous."Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities," it addedDefence ministry spokesperson Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi urged citizens and residents to immediately notify authorities through the 112 emergency hotline if they came across suspicious objects. He also appealed to the public to rely only on official information channels and comply with safety directives."The General Staff of the Army calls on everyone to cooperate and adhere to the issued guidelines to preserve the security and safety of all," the statement said.Meanwhile, US Central Command said Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward neighbouring countries, but claimed that "all failed to hit their intended targets."According to the US military, two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short of their targets or broke apart during flight. Centcom also said that three missiles launched toward Bahrain were "immediately intercepted by US and Bahrain air defense forces.""Moments earlier, US Central Command forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters," the US army said in a statement.Centcom also confirmed that American forces carried out military action against an Iranian target on Qeshm Island."American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island," the statement said.The US military said no American personnel were injured during the incidents."No US personnel were harmed," CENTCOM said, while adding that its forces continue to remain on alert amid heightened tensions in the region.The command said its troops remain prepared to respond to further threats and defend US interests and allies."CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire," the statement added.The incident comes against the backdrop of growing regional tensions following recent military confrontations involving the United States and Iran.