UPDATE 12:40 p.m. The UAE Ministry of Defense said the country had come under a “blatant attack” involving Iranian ballistic missiles. UAE air defense systems effectively responded to the attack and successfully intercepted a number of the missiles.
According to the ministry, one person from an Asian country was killed by falling debris. Authorities said the security situation in the UAE remains stable.
Social media users reported hearing explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to Reuters, Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday.
Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect until March 7.
The U.S. mission in the UAE said the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai instructed staff to remain in shelter.
“We recommend that all Americans in the UAE do the same until further notice,” the statement said.
Explosions were also reported in Bahrain and Qatar, where U.S. military bases are located.
U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran
On Feb. 28, Israel carried out a preemptive strike on Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said. U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed the start of “large-scale combat operations” and called on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to lay down its arms.
Media reports said targets included the residences of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as facilities from which Iran could strike Israel.
Images showed smoke rising over Tehran, and explosions were reported in five Iranian cities. Iran, in turn, launched ballistic missiles at Israel.
Washington is increasing pressure on Tehran in an effort to secure an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Israel dubbed its operation against Iran “Roaring Lion,” while the United States named its operation “Epic Fury.”