A drone strike near the US Consulate in Dubai caused a limited fire on Tuesday, which authorities swiftly extinguished, according to officials. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Dubai’s government media office confirmed in an online statement that emergency teams responded immediately after the drone-related incident near the US Consulate. “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained,” the statement read. Approximately 45 minutes later, officials announced that the fire had been fully extinguished and reiterated that there were no casualties.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to public safety, stating that they remain focused on ensuring the security of residents and visitors.
According to details shared with the Wall Street Journal by a US official and Dubai’s media office, the drone struck the parking lot of the consulate compound. Videos circulating on social media showed black smoke rising in the vicinity of the diplomatic mission.
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), reported that the drone involved in the strike was Iranian, according to reporting by the New York Times. However, official confirmation regarding the origin of the drone has not been independently verified.
The incident in Dubai follows a similar development in Saudi Arabia. On Monday, the US Embassy in the kingdom was struck by two drones, resulting in a limited fire and minor structural damage, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defense. In response, the embassy advised American citizens in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran to shelter in place.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuwait announced on Tuesday that it would be closed until further notice as a precautionary measure.
Speaking later in Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department is actively working to assist Americans in the Middle East who wish to leave the region.
“We have identified and continue to identify charter flights, military flight options and expanded commercial flight options,” Rubio told reporters, noting that in some cases aircraft already en route to the region had to turn back after airspace closures.
The series of incidents marks a significant escalation in regional tensions and has prompted heightened security measures around US diplomatic facilities across the Middle East. Authorities in Dubai have not released further details about the investigation into the drone strike.
