Kuwait International Airport came under a drone attack launched by Iran on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East region. The Kuwait General Authority of Civil Aviation released footage of the drone strike, revealing the extensive damage caused by the Iranian assault, which resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others.
Footage Shows Devastation
The released footage captured a massive explosion ripping through the passenger terminal, with a huge fireball engulfing part of the structure and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The blast tore through sections of the building, sending debris and dust across the area as parts of the terminal collapsed. The attack forced Kuwait to briefly shut down its main airport after Iranian drones heavily damaged the passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and wounding dozens.
Official Statements
Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for Kuwait's defence ministry, confirmed that "a number of hostile drones" had targeted a passenger building at Kuwait International Airport. The terminal had only reopened on Monday after a months-long closure due to the weeks-long conflict involving the US, Iran, and Israel.
Authorities reported that at least 63 people were wounded, including passengers and airport workers, with some sustaining serious injuries. Kuwait's defence ministry also stated that it had destroyed more than a dozen missiles and a similar number of drones launched from Iran.
Airport Operations Resume Partially
The airport later partially resumed operations, with Kuwait Airways flights operating from a different terminal while other flights remained suspended.
India Condemns Attack
The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the strike, calling for a cessation of such violent attacks. "We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured," the ministry said in a statement. "We again call upon parties to cease such attacks," it added.
International Reactions
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, calling them a "grave violation" of the sovereignty of both countries and reiterating its opposition to attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Iranian Media Reports
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Iranian forces had targeted a US military ship hosting a "control and command center" as it approached Iranian waters in the Gulf of Oman.
