Iranian Attack on Kuwait International Airport; US Launches Counterstrike Against Iran
News Summary
Prepared after review.
- An Iranian drone and missile attack caused damage to the building at Kuwait International Airport, injuring several people.
- The US military conducted a retaliatory strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island, destroying an Iranian military control center and attacking drones.
- The US targeted the oil tanker ‘M/T Lexus,’ heading toward Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, after it ignored repeated warnings.
May 31, Kathmandu – A drone and missile attack by Iran resulted in multiple injuries at Kuwait International Airport. Following the attack on Wednesday, the Kuwaiti government news agency reported that flights were suspended and redirected to other airports.
Quoting the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority, the report stated that the attack struck the ‘T-1’ building at the international airport. Authorities warned the public to be cautious of debris that may fall during the defensive missile firing to counter the attack.
The Kuwaiti military confirmed that Iranian drones caused significant damage to the airport building and injured several individuals. Air traffic remained suspended since early Wednesday morning.
Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, described the attack as a criminal act by Iran and reported that the injured are receiving medical treatment.
US Launches Counterattack on Iran
Meanwhile, the US military stated it conducted a defensive strike against Iran overnight, shooting down ballistic missiles and drones targeting ships and Gulf countries.
According to US Central Command, the strike on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz was in response to Iran’s aggressive operations across the Middle East.
The Central Command reported that the attack targeted an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island and successfully neutralized three hostile drones aimed at civilian vessels.
Iran responded with missile and drone assaults on US forces and helicopter bases in regional countries. Tehran launched two missiles toward Kuwait and three toward Bahrain, US military officials noted.
The two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait fell short or broke apart mid-flight, while US and Bahraini air defenses intercepted the three missiles headed for Bahrain.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned that any US military interference in the security of the Strait of Hormuz would come at a high cost.
US Missile Strike on Oil Tanker
Earlier reports detailed that, as part of the naval blockade imposed by Washington on the Strait of Hormuz since April 13, the US attacked the oil tanker ‘M/T Lexus,’ flying Botswana’s flag and heading toward Iran.
Ignoring repeated warnings from the US military within 24 hours, the tanker’s crew failed to comply, prompting US aircraft to strike the vessel’s engine room with a Hellfire missile. The Central Command also released video footage of the attack on the tanker on Tuesday.
(With agency reporting)
