Kuwait International Airport Ravaged by Major Fire Following Drone Strike
An intense and ferocious fire has engulfed Kuwait International Airport after a coordinated drone attack targeted critical infrastructure, including fuel tanks and the radar system. Dramatic footage released by the Kuwait Army vividly captures the scale of the inferno, with firefighters valiantly battling towering flames and dense, billowing clouds of black smoke throughout Saturday, March 28.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
According to reports from the state news agency KUNA, the assault specifically hit fuel storage facilities and the airport's radar infrastructure. The Kuwait Army shared video evidence on social media platform X, highlighting the extensive emergency operation required to combat the blaze. In an official post, the Army stated, "Part of the support and assistance provided by the Kuwaiti Army Fire Department to the General Fire Force in combating the fire that broke out as a result of the heinous attack on the fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport."
The airport, designated PKWI, remains completely closed to all commercial passenger traffic. No inbound or outbound flights are operating due to what authorities describe as severe structural damage sustained from previous drone strikes, compounding the current crisis.
Regional Tensions and Broader Context
Authorities have revealed that a total of 15 Iranian drones were launched at Kuwait within the past 24 hours, underscoring a significant escalation in regional hostilities. Tehran has increasingly targeted Gulf states, including Kuwait, accusing them of providing support to US military operations in the area.
Iranian officials assert that these strikes are direct retaliation for the ongoing military campaign conducted by Israel and the United States, positioning the airport attack within a wider geopolitical conflict.
Casualty Reports and Official Statements
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from this incident. Earlier in the week, the Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA) announced that drones had targeted a fuel tank at the airport, igniting the initial fire. Official spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi confirmed to KUNA that, based on preliminary assessments, the damage is solely material with no casualties recorded.
The combination of the drone assault, the subsequent fire, and the pre-existing structural issues has created a major disruption to Kuwait's aviation sector, with recovery efforts expected to be prolonged and complex.
