US says Kuwait under threat amid Iran conflict, issues advisory: ‘If you hear a loud explosion...’
US-Iran war: In an advisory issued on Monday, the US told its citizens in Kuwait to not come to the Embassy, “take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows.”
The US Department of State Consular Affairs said on Monday, 2 March, that Kuwait continues to face threats of missile and UAV attacks amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In an advisory issued on Monday, the US told its citizens in Kuwait to not come to the Embassy, “take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside.”
“The US Embassy in Kuwait urges US citizens in Kuwait to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks. US Embassy personnel are sheltering in place,” the department said.
The department also listed some actions that US citizens in Kuwait must take as the threat looms:
- If you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover.
- If in a home or building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.
- If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands.
- Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk.
- After the attack, avoid any debris and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.
The security alert came as an AFP correspondent saw black smoke rising from the US embassy in Kuwait on Monday.
According to the report, the diplomatic mission told people not to come to the premises as Iran pressed on with a third day of Gulf attacks.
Sirens earlier sounded over the city following the latest volley of Iranian attacks in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed the supreme leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.
The embassy did not announce it had been hit, but issued a security alert urging people to stay away.
Meanwhile, Kuwait's interior ministry said it intercepted an unspecified number of drones targeting the small, oil-rich country at dawn.
Israel-US, Iran conflict
Earlier on Monday, AFP reported that loud explosions were heard across the Gulf cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Manama and Kuwait.
Iran's continued and unprecedented bombardment of the Gulf hit military bases but also civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, hotels, airports and sea ports, rattling a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in the turbulent Middle East.
The war expanded to include militias Tehran backs in the Middle East with an attack by Hezbollah on Israel, which struck back against the group in Lebanon and with the United States pounded targets in Iran.
As the American and Israeli airstrikes kept hitting the country, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani said on X: “We will not negotiate with the United States.”
US President Donald Trump, who a day earlier had encouraged Iranians to “take over” their government, signaled Sunday that he was open to dialogue with Iran’s new leadership.
About the Author
Akriti Anand is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint. She is a digital journalist with more than six years in the news industry.<br><br> In her current role, she covers both national and international politics, and also keeps a close watch on the latest trends in science and space exploration. <br><br> Akriti joined the LiveMint team in October 2023. Before this, she built a strong career at other major media houses. She worked as a senior sub-editor at India Today. Later, she moved to CNBCTV-18. There, she covered high-pressure topics like breaking news and major elections. She spent much of her time analysing Parliament bills and complex political debates. She is also a skilled editor who knows how to polish a story for a digital audience. <br><br> One of her career highlights happened at CNBCTV-18. She made her first television debut during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. She also provided special on-air coverage for the Karnataka Elections. <br><br> When she is not busy with breaking news, Akriti loves to write explainers and interview experts on a wide range of issues. She also enjoys making complex space missions easy for everyone to understand. <br><br> Her education helps her tackle these diverse subjects. She holds a BA in English Literature, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, and a Master’s degree in Development Studies. She is currently expanding her knowledge in climate journalism.