Drone Incidents Reported in Dubai, One Near Burj Khalifa; Loud Explosion Heard

Dubai Drone Alerts : Loud explosions were heard in downtown Dubai on Thursday, as Iran continued to threaten Gulf countries, according to AFP. Meanwhile, in an attempt to disrupt trade channels amid already high concerns about an oil crisis, Iran increased its targeting of Gulf energy institutions, including strikes on a cargo ship off the UAE near the outskirts of Dubai and a drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port.

The development happened a day after two drones collided near Dubai International Airport, which is home to long-haul carrier Emirates and the world’s biggest international travel hub. Despite four injuries from the incident, aviation travel resumed on Wednesday, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Iran target Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest, was targeted on Wednesday, with two drones falling near it and injuring four people. The development signified an increase in Iran’s efforts to put pressure on the US and Israel to terminate the conflict, which began on February 28, when the US and Israel conducted a surprise strike on Iran, murdering Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

UN responds to strikes in the Gulf: In the midst of Iran’s ongoing offensive in the Gulf, the UN Security Council voted to approve a resolution demanding a halt to Iran’s “egregious attacks.” “The international community is resolute in rejecting these Iranian attacks against sovereign countries that are threatening the stability of the peoples, especially in a region of strategic importance to the global economy, energy, security, and security of global trade,” said Bahrain’s UN ambassador, Jamal Alrowaiei.

Also reads : US Senate rejects proposal to stop military campaign against Iran

Iran’s warning to American banks: After striking US consulates and embassies in the Middle East, Iran has now warned that it will attack US and Israeli economic targets in the region, including banks. The threat prompted some companies, including Citi, to request that employees leave their offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

US to release 172 million barrels of oil: Amid global energy concerns and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route used by countries to transit oil, the US has announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.

Drone accident near Al Bada, around 15 minutes from the Burj Khalifa

Dubai officials reported a minor drone mishap at Al Bada, roughly 4 km (or 15 minutes) from the Burj Khalifa. Separately, the AFP reported loud explosions in downtown Dubai without specifying the location.