Fire breaks out near US consulate in Dubai after drone strike

Fire breaks out near US consulate in Dubai after drone strike

A bystander’s footage, authenticated by the BBC, captured an explosion and subsequent fire engulfing a structure adjacent to the US consulate in Dubai. Flames and smoke rose dramatically from the site, prompting immediate concern. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a drone had targeted a nearby parking area, stating, “All personnel are accounted for. As you’re aware, we began reducing staff from diplomatic posts prior to this.”

Following the incident, the US claimed six of its F-15 jets were “accidentally downed by Kuwaiti air defenses,” with all crews reported in stable condition. President Donald Trump issued a warning about potential further casualties after three American service members were killed in the second day of the US-Israeli assault on Iran. He shared a video statement on the attack via Truth Social, highlighting the stakes.

An eyewitness documented the Iranian drone’s crash in Kuwait, as reported by the BBC’s Helena Humphrey in Washington DC. The conflict escalated as Iran’s state media announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Protests erupted in US cities on Saturday, with more demonstrations planned. The BBC’s Clive Myrie provided live updates from Tel Aviv’s bomb shelter during Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel.

Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli military campaign, saw coordinated attacks on Iran. Social media videos displayed the aftermath of strikes in Tehran’s neighborhood, showing destruction. Trump condemned the Iranian regime for an “ongoing campaign of violence and mass killing against the United States,” according to remarks relayed by the BBC’s Jon Donnison in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year celebrations unfolded globally, from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires. The expiration of the New START treaty removed nuclear weapon limits between the US and Russia for the first time since 1991. The BBC’s Sarah Smith examined Trump’s strategic goals in the latest strike, while Daniel Bush analyzed international support and the treaty’s funding implications.

Protesters gathered in multiple US cities on Saturday, with more demonstrations set for the following days. The BBC’s Ione Wells explored Ecuador’s reaction during a period of rising tensions in the country. Veterans’ comments echoed Trump’s claims that NATO allies had avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan, adding context to the broader geopolitical narrative.