Missile alerts trigger explosions across Dubai, Doha amid conflict

Explosions were heard across Dubai and Doha early Tuesday after residents received emergency mobile alerts warning of “potential missile threats,” according to AFP . The alerts urged people to immediately seek shelter, triggering panic across parts of both cities as three blasts echoed shortly thereafter.The developments come against the backdrop of a rapidly intensifying conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it launched fresh strikes across Tehran and stepped up operations in Lebanon’s capital, targeting Hezbollah positions.

Loud explosions were reported in the skies above Doha as air defenses intercepted incoming missiles. pic.twitter.com/1FQPAucEix

— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) March 17, 2026

In a related incident, an “unknown projectile” struck a tanker about 23 nautical miles off the coast of Fujairah, causing minor structural damage, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. Separately, a fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following what was described as an Iranian drone attack. No casualties were reported in either case.The conflict has also widened geographically. Iraqi security officials reported a wave of drone and rocket attacks targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, calling it the most intense assault since hostilities began, with at least five drones involved.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident about 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah, where a tanker reported being struck by a projectile while at anchor. The incident caused minor damage but no injuries were reported. pic.twitter.com/78sCtU54Ex

— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) March 17, 2026

Tensions have surged since late February, when U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory rocket fire by Hezbollah into northern Israel. Israeli officials stated two Iranian missile salvos were launched toward Tel Aviv and areas south of the Sea of Galilee early Tuesday, though no injuries were reported.The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Israeli strikes have displaced more than one million people in Lebanon—around 20% of the population—according to Lebanese authorities, with at least 850 fatalities reported. Israeli ground forces have also advanced into southern Lebanon, raising fears of a broader invasion.
In Iran, over 1,300 people have been killed, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. Israeli military officials claim to have conducted around 7,600 strikes on Iranian targets, significantly degrading Tehran’s military capabilities by destroying a large portion of its air defenses and missile launch systems.Casualties have also been reported in Israel and among U.S. forces. Israeli authorities said 12 people have been killed due to Iranian missile attacks, while at least 13 U.S. military personnel have died since the conflict escalated.
With the war now entering its third week, Israel has indicated plans to continue operations for several more weeks, while Iran, speaking at the United Nations, warned it would not yield to what it termed “lawless aggression,” adding that its civilian population remains in “grave danger.”The situation remains highly volatile, with fears growing that further escalation could draw in more countries and destabilize the broader Gulf region.