West Asia witnessed a sharp escalation early Tuesday as coordinated aerial attacks struck the Iraqi capital Baghdad and Qatar’s capital Doha, signalling a widening regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. In Baghdad, the U.S. Embassy inside the heavily fortified Green Zone came under a fresh barrage of drones and rockets, marking the second such attack in three days. Iraqi authorities reported multiple interceptions by air defence systems, though at least one projectile is believed to have struck within the compound, with plumes of smoke seen rising from the area.
Hours before the embassy attack, a drone strike hit the Al-Rasheed Hotel, known to host foreign diplomats, while another strike in the Al-Jadiriyah district killed four people, reportedly including Iranian military advisers. The escalation follows reports of the death of Abu Ali al-Askari, a senior commander of the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has condemned the attacks as terrorism and ordered security forces to track down those responsible.
At the same time, Qatar’s air defences were activated over Doha after authorities confirmed the launch of 14 ballistic missiles and multiple drones from Iran. The majority of the incoming projectiles were intercepted, but debris from the interceptions caused a fire in the Doha Industrial Area. Officials said the blaze was contained and no casualties were reported, though one missile is believed to have landed in an uninhabited desert zone.
Developments across West Asia have led to wider disruptions in the Gulf, with brief airspace closures and heightened security measures reported. Oil markets have reacted sharply amid concerns over strikes on energy infrastructure, including facilities in Fujairah and parts of southern Iraq. The United States has issued its highest travel advisory for Iraq and has begun evacuating non-essential personnel.
The UAE remains on high alert after intercepting missiles and drones targeting its territory. Falling debris resulted in one fatality in Abu Dhabi’s Bani Yas area, while a drone strike triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Air traffic was briefly suspended but is now operating on a limited scale, with authorities urging caution. The near-simultaneous attacks on Baghdad and Doha highlight a rapidly intensifying conflict, raising concerns over further strikes on critical infrastructure across the region.
