Kuwait has been thrust into the center of a rapidly expanding regional conflict after Iran confirmed that it had attacked US assets in the Gulf states in retaliation for a massive joint US-Israeli attack on Iranian territory. The developments have led to increased security measures, airspace disruptions and a rare friendly fire incident involving US warplanes over Kuwaiti territory.
According to reports linked to the Iranian state, Tehran launched coordinated attacks against multiple Gulf states hosting US military assets, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Ali Al-Salem air base was targeted by several ballistic missiles. Kuwaiti air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming missiles, preventing casualties or major damage to the base.
The Foreign Ministry, quoted by state news agency KUNA, said Kuwait maintains its right to defend itself, underscoring the country’s defensive posture as host of US military assets.
Drone attack hits Kuwait international airport
While military installations were the main focus, civilian infrastructure was also affected. Abdullah al-Rajhi, spokesman for the General Authority of Civil Aviation, confirmed that a drone targeted Kuwait’s international airport.
The strike caused material damage to part of the passenger building and left several employees with minor injuries. Operations were disrupted amid broader instability in regional airspace, although no fatalities were reported.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is coordinating with local authorities to support stranded citizens following the temporary closure of airspace caused by the US and Israeli strikes on Sunday. (@indembkwt X/ANI Photo)
The US embassy in Kuwait closes and evacuations are ordered
As tensions rose, the United States ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Jordan.
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait announced it would remain closed until further notice, canceling all regular and emergency consular appointments. Similar precautionary closures and restrictions were imposed across the region.
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The US mission in Saudi Arabia was closed after a drone attack, while Americans in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran were advised to shelter in place. In Israel, the U.S. Embassy said it was not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans seeking to leave and urged citizens to take their own security measures.
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Flight cancellations across the Gulf
The military escalation has severely disrupted civil aviation throughout the Gulf region. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that more than 2,000 flights were canceled to and from seven major airports, including Kuwait International Airport, Dubai International, Hamad International in Doha, Zayed International in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah International, Bahrain International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International.
Airlines have issued notices to inform their customers about the status of flights.
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Oman Air canceled flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen and Baghdad for Tuesday, March 3, warning of possible delays on other routes.
Saudia suspended flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar until the end of March 2 GMT.
Turkish Airlines canceled services to and from Bahrain, Dammam, Riyadh, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
For Kuwait, aviation disruptions compound security concerns as both the military and civilian sectors adapt to a volatile regional security environment.
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Three US F-15E fighter jets shot down
In a dramatic development, the United States confirmed that Three US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaitis air defenses during active combat operations.
The US Central Command (Centcom) stated that the three F-15E Strike Eagles were flying in support of ongoing US military operations in Iran when they were attacked by Kuwaiti defensive systems amid intense Iranian missile, drone and aircraft activity.
“All six crew members were safely ejected, have been safely recovered and are in stable condition,” Centcom said in a statement. He added that Kuwait acknowledged the incident and expressed its gratitude for the cooperation of the Kuwaiti defense forces.
Previously, Kuwait’s Defense Ministry confirmed that US fighter jets had crashed during the period of intense Iranian fire, but did not specify the cause. Authorities stated that all of the pilots were safely rescued and taken to the hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
