Dubai: A drone strike near the US Consulate in Dubai triggered a fire late Tuesday night as tensions continued to escalate across the Middle East amid ongoing Iran-US hostilities. Thick black smoke was seen rising from behind the consulate building, prompting an immediate emergency response from local authorities.
According to eyewitnesses quoted by AFP, a loud explosion was heard moments before flames became visible near the diplomatic compound. Police swiftly cordoned off surrounding roads and dispersed onlookers attempting to approach the area. Emergency crews were deployed within minutes to contain the blaze.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the incident, stating that a drone struck a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery building, sparking the fire. “All personnel are accounted for,” he told reporters in Washington, assuring that no injuries were reported among diplomatic staff.
The Dubai Media Office later announced that the fire had been fully extinguished and that there were no casualties. Photographs shared on social media showed fire response vehicles stationed outside the US Consulate as authorities secured the premises. Officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety and maintaining order in the city.
The strike comes amid a series of drone and missile attacks targeting American diplomatic missions in the Gulf region. Earlier this week, the US Embassy in Riyadh was reportedly hit by two drones, resulting in minor material damage and a limited fire. The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident but said the situation was quickly brought under control.
In Kuwait, smoke was also seen rising near the US embassy complex on Monday. Although the embassy did not officially confirm a direct hit, it issued a security alert warning of a continuing threat of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks and urged citizens to avoid the area.
The attacks follow intensified hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with retaliatory strikes and counterstrikes deepening fears of a broader regional conflict. As diplomatic missions tighten security and Gulf nations remain on high alert, concerns are mounting over the safety of civilians and the potential impact on regional stability and global energy markets.
