Kuwait's air defense systems intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks on May 28, 2026, with explosions heard across the country linked to the interception efforts [1, 2, 3, 4]. Kuwaiti authorities urged the public to follow security and safety instructions amid the incidents [1, 4].
The origin of the missile and drone threats has not been specified by Kuwaiti officials [1, 2, 3]. The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following recent US and Iranian military actions.
On the early morning of May 28, the US conducted strikes targeting an Iranian drone operation that was threatening US forces and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2]. Iran confirmed the US strikes and retaliated by launching a strike at 4:50 a.m. local time against a US air base, which is located in Kuwait [1].
There has been a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran since April 8, brokered through Pakistani mediation, but hostilities including missile and drone attacks have occurred in Gulf countries since the US-Israel war on Iran earlier this year [4, 1]. Drones reportedly have been launched from Iraq toward Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after the ceasefire, according to medium-confidence reports [1].
Kuwait hosts a US air base, which was targeted in the Iranian retaliatory strike, adding to the urgency of the country's defense response [1]. The ongoing interceptions occurred simultaneously with regional conflict and reported air and drone strikes, creating loud explosions heard by residents across Kuwait [1, 2, 3, 4].
Authorities in Kuwait continue to monitor the situation closely and advise the public to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety protocols as regional tensions remain volatile [1, 4].
