A fire broke out at the Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery in Kuwait following attacks by drones and missiles. Authorities in several Gulf countries reported responding to attacks originating from Iran.
Iran has escalated attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf in recent days, targeting oil refineries and the world’s largest gas processing center in Qatar, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on the South Pars gas field, according to reports from AFP on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The Kuwait News Agency, citing the national oil company, stated that “several enemy drones” struck the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, causing a fire but no casualties.
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Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze even as “several refinery units have been shut down.”
Earlier on Friday, March 20, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said that debris from “Iranian aggression” caused a fire in a warehouse, which was brought under control without injuries.
In Kuwait, a military statement said that air defenses “responded to hostile missile and drone threats,” while the UAE’s state media reported “threats of missiles and drones coming from Iran.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency that it had targeted U.S. Forces at the Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE, as well as locations in Israel, with missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said that over approximately two hours, its forces “intercepted and destroyed” more than a dozen drones in the eastern part of the country and another in the north.
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Escalating tensions in the Middle East saw attacks targeting energy infrastructure in multiple countries on Friday, March 20, 2026, raising concerns about regional stability and potential disruptions to global energy markets.
The attacks began with a fire at the Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery in Kuwait, triggered by drone and missile strikes. Gulf authorities indicated the attacks originated in Iran, and responded accordingly.
According to the Kuwait News Agency, the refinery was hit by “several enemy drones,” resulting in a fire that was quickly contained, with no reported injuries. Firefighting teams are currently working to fully extinguish the blaze and have temporarily shut down several refinery units.
Bahrain also reported an incident, stating that debris from the attacks caused a fire in a warehouse, which was successfully extinguished without causing any harm.
Air defenses in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reportedly intercepted incoming missiles and drones. The UAE’s state media confirmed the threats originated from Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for targeting U.S. Forces at the Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE and locations within Israel, utilizing both missiles and drones. The claim was reported by the Tasnim news agency.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced its forces intercepted and destroyed over a dozen drones in the eastern part of the country, and an additional drone in the north, over a two-hour period.
The series of attacks underscores the growing volatility in the region and the potential for further escalation. The developments could influence future diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
