Kuwait’s air defense systems successfully shot down two ballistic missiles and 13 drones following U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iran.
KUWAIT CITY — July 9, 2026: The Kuwaiti military announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple hostile ballistic missiles and explosive drones targeting the country. The escalation follows a fresh wave of U.S. military strikes on southern Iran, triggering high-alert protocols across neighboring Gulf nations including Bahrain and Qatar.
The Kuwait Armed Forces confirmed early Thursday that its air defense networks intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 incoming drones that breached the nation’s airspace. According to a statement issued on X by the General Staff of the Army, explosions heard across the country were the direct result of these successful mid-air interceptions. Defence spokesperson Colonel Staff Saud Al-Otaibi confirmed that no casualties or material damages have been reported, emphasizing that the armed forces remain on continuous operational readiness.
The aerial assault comes immediately after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out extensive airstrikes targeting several positions in southern and southeastern Iran late Wednesday. The American action was launched in retaliation to recent Iranian drone attacks on three commercial vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory barrage, stating it targeted approximately 85 facilities linked to the U.S. military across the region, including Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
In response to the imminent aerial threats, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior activated its public air raid sirens, urging citizens and residents to seek shelter immediately and remain calm. Authorities in Qatar have similarly issued high-alert directives for their defensive and civil sectors as regional security risks continue to climb.
