Gulf Energy Facilities Targeted in Drone Attacks; U.S. Jets Downed in Friendly Fire

Drone attacks targeted energy facilities across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Saudi air defenses intercepted two drones aimed at the Ras Tanura refinery in the east of the country. Simultaneously, five additional drones were intercepted and destroyed near Prince Sultan Air Base, according to Saudi officials.

A source within the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported limited damage to the Ras Tanura oil refinery due to debris from the intercepted drones. The source confirmed that petroleum supplies to domestic markets remained unaffected.

In Qatar, two energy facilities were targeted by drones, but no casualties were reported. QatarEnergy announced a temporary suspension of liquefied natural gas production and related products following the attacks. In Oman, a drone boat attacked an oil tanker approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, according to authorities.

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity reported a minor fire at the Doha West power station during the interception of a drone. No injuries were reported.

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior stated that the attacks resulted in one fatality.

According to Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, two drones targeting the Ras Tanura refinery were successfully intercepted. He confirmed that no civilians were injured during the interception, though a small fire broke out at the refinery due to falling debris, which was quickly contained. Debris also fell near civilian areas.

A source in the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that the Ras Tanura oil refinery sustained limited damage at 7:04 a.m. local time due to debris from the intercepted drones, causing a small fire that emergency teams quickly extinguished. Some operational units at the refinery were temporarily shut down as a precaution.

Qatari officials reported that two drones targeted a water tank at a factory in Mesaieed and an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is operated by QatarEnergy. No casualties were reported.

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told CNN that Qatar intercepted attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including the international airport, and that these attacks could not go unanswered.

Omani authorities reported that an oil tanker was attacked by a drone boat within Omani territorial waters, approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat. An investigation is underway to ensure the safety of navigation and the vessel's crew. One crew member died, and the remaining 21 were evacuated. The Royal Omani Navy is monitoring the tanker, and warnings have been issued to ships in the area. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an attack involving projectiles on a vessel in Mina Salman, Bahrain.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi reported that debris fell on a warehouse in the ICAD area and a commercial facility after successful interceptions of drones. The incidents caused minor material damage, and no injuries were reported. The public was urged to rely on official sources for information.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Electricity and Water reported a minor fire at the Doha West power station during the interception of a drone. No injuries were reported.

Fatima Johar, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the country's electricity and water systems are operating normally, and the ministry remains prepared to address any emergencies.

Separately, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed over Kuwait due to friendly fire, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM stated that during an active air battle involving attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly shot down the U.S. Air Force aircraft. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Colonel Saud al-Atwan, a spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, confirmed that several U.S. warplanes crashed, but the crews were safe. He added that Kuwaiti forces intercepted an unspecified number of drones targeting the country.