Fire breaks out near US consulate in Dubai after drone strike
Fire breaks out near US consulate in Dubai after drone strike
A BBC-verified video from a passerby captures the moment a blast erupts, sending flames and smoke spiraling from a structure adjacent to the US diplomatic mission in Dubai. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a drone attack targeted a nearby parking area, stating,
“All personnel are accounted for. As you’re aware, we began drawing down personnel from our diplomatic facilities in advance of this.”
The incident follows escalating tensions as the US-Israeli coalition launched Operation Epic Fury, with retaliatory strikes directed at Iran. In Tel Aviv, BBC presenter Clive Myrie reported from a bomb shelter amid the bombardment, while in Washington DC, Helena Humphrey analyzed the impact of the second day of strikes. Meanwhile, Iranian state media announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, intensifying the conflict’s global implications.
US-Israeli strikes and Trump’s warnings
President Donald Trump accused the Iranian regime of launching an “unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder targeting the United States” in a video statement shared on Truth Social. He claimed three US service members were killed in action, warning of further casualties. A witness in Kuwait recorded the crash of an Iranian drone, which became a focal point of the military exchange.
As part of the operation, six F-15 jets were “mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” according to the US, with crews reported in stable condition. The White House’s Bernd Debusmann Jr, stationed in Palm Beach, Florida, detailed Trump’s strategy, while Daniel Bush in Washington explored the alliances involved and funding allocations.
Global reactions and other developments
Amid the conflict, millions worldwide celebrated the Lunar New Year, with festivities spanning from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires. The expiration of the New START treaty also drew attention, removing nuclear weapon limits between the US and Russia for the first time since 1991. Protests erupted in American cities, with more demonstrations set for later in the week.
Legacy of the attack was examined by Sarah Smith, who explored Trump’s geopolitical aims. Veterans’ remarks, echoing concerns about NATO allies’ roles in Afghanistan, were also highlighted as part of the broader context of US military actions and international response.
