On February 28, Israel and the United States carried out a series of strikes on Iranian territory. Major cities and military infrastructure facilities were targeted, including military bases and command centres. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, as well as against a number of other countries in the region — including targets and airspace in the UAE, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.
As of March 16, the situation in the region remains extremely tense. The sides continue to exchange statements, and new episodes of escalation are being reported. Information will be updated as new reports emerge.
09:52
After Iran’s strike on Israel, missile debris fell in the Bnei Brak area, located east of Tel Aviv. One residential building was damaged by the falling fragments.
According to Anadolu, the building sustained damage from the scattered debris. Reports have also emerged of injuries and property damage in nearby areas.
09:48
UAE air defence systems intercepted 61 drones overnight in the Eastern Region, Caliber.Az reports, citing the UAE Ministry of Defence on X.
09:46
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence announced on March 16 that it had intercepted and destroyed 12 drones, QNA reports, citing Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki.
Al-Malki, the Ministry of Defence spokesperson, stated that the 12 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Province.
09:37
Thick black plumes of smoke could be seen rising over Iran’s capital, Tehran, in the early hours of Monday morning, video shared online showed, as Iranian state media reported large booms in the capital.
One large pyre could be seen in central Tehran, with another coming from the west of the city, CNN reports.
The timing of the explosion corresponded to a statement from the Israeli military early Monday, which said it had begun a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran.
Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard said Israeli fighter jets had targeted Mehrabad Airport, the country’s busiest air transport hub.
09:30
The UAE’s Defence Ministry says its air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.
It said in a statement that sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting the incoming projectiles, Al Jazeera reports.
The ministry did not immediately provide further details about damage or casualties.
The country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority also made a similar announcement on X.
09:12
Air raid sirens have been activated in the area of the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Tasnim reports, citing an Al Mayadeen correspondent.
It is also noted that the sound of the C-RAM air defence system in operation can be heard.
09:08
Civil defence units are battling a fire near Dubai International Airport. A fuel tank was damaged following the crash of a drone, the press service of the emirate’s government has said.
“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks. Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far,” the statement said.
According to preliminary information, there were no casualties. All flights at Dubai International Airport have currently been suspended.
09:01
The Israeli police have released video footage showing a cluster munition falling onto a street in Tel Aviv.
According to the police, three people sustained minor injuries.
08:52
Several explosions occurred near Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.
According to Al Hadath TV, a plane caught fire at Mehrabad Airport as a result of the attack.
08:28
“B-1B Lancers – capable of carrying a payload of 75,000 pounds – have operated over the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury. Nicknamed the BONE, B-1Bs hold world records for speed, payload and range,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.
CENTCOM also published photos of the strategic bombers in combat operations.
