West Asia tensions escalate with fresh missile exchanges; Yemen launch widens conflict footprint

Tensions across West Asia escalated sharply overnight as multiple missile and drone exchanges were reported, alongside renewed Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Israel said its air defence systems intercepted most incoming aerial threats, while sirens were triggered in central regions following a reported missile launch from Yemen—marking the first such launch from Yemeni territory in the current phase of the conflict. Lebanese authorities reported casualties after fresh strikes in Beirut and southern parts of the country, as Hezbollah continued attacks on northern Israel, signalling an expanding theatre of hostilities.

In the United Arab Emirates, air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones early Saturday, prompting emergency alerts in several areas. Authorities said falling debris from interceptions sparked two fires in an industrial zone near Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. Five Indian nationals sustained minor to moderate injuries due to the debris, with no fatalities reported. Officials later confirmed that no additional threats were active.

Separately, an Iranian missile strike on Friday targeted the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding at least ten US service members and damaging multiple refuelling aircraft. Two personnel were reported to be in serious condition. Saudi authorities said their air defences also intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at the Riyadh region early Saturday, along with multiple drones targeting the capital and the Eastern Province, underlining the growing intensity and geographical spread of the conflict.