Drone strikes hit Kuwait’s refinery
Drones struck Kuwait’s largest oil refinery for a second consecutive day, igniting fires at the Mina al-Ahmadi facility, which processes roughly 730,000 barrels of oil per day. Kuwait’s national oil company reported that several units had been shut down, but no casualties were reported. The strikes coincided with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Wider Iranian campaign
The attacks form part of a broader Iranian assault on Gulf energy infrastructure in retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield, the country’s largest gas facility supplying 80% of domestic needs. Iran’s IRGC also reported strikes on US forces at the UAE’s al-Dhafra airbase and sites inside Israel.
Regional responses
The UAE reported incoming missile and drone threats, Bahrain reported a warehouse fire caused by shrapnel, and Saudi Arabia intercepted over a dozen drones within two hours. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “zero restraint” if Iran’s energy facilities were attacked further.
Impact on Qatar and global energy
Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal sustained severe damage, affecting roughly 17% of global LNG supply and causing an estimated $20bn annual revenue loss. QatarEnergy chief Saad al-Kaabi said repairs could take three to five years, setting back the region’s energy infrastructure “10 to 20 years.” The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused energy prices to surge and strained global supply chains.
Rising regional tensions
Israel conducted further strikes on Iran overnight, while Tehran and Tel Aviv faced missile barrages. Iran’s IRGC confirmed ongoing missile production and continued war efforts. Meanwhile, Israel extended attacks to Syria in response to assaults on the Druze population in southern Suwayda province.
Over 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, more than 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel, four in the West Bank, and at least 13 US military members. The conflict has displaced over one million in Lebanon alone.
Also read: Qatar expels Iranian diplomats after missile hits LNG facilities
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
