Loud explosions reported in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi amid Iranian missile barrage

Journalists heard loud explosions reverberating in the Qatari capital and in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, while two residents told AFP they heard explosions in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Loud explosions were heard across the cities of Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, according to AFP reporters and residents, as Iran pressed a campaign of missile and drone barrages across the Gulf.

Journalists heard loud explosions reverberating in the Qatari capital and in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, while two residents told AFP they heard explosions in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Dubai authorities later said the explosions heard across the city were caused by "interception operations" by air defence forces.

"The relevant Dubai teams continue to closely monitor the situation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety," the Dubai media office said in a statement posted on X.

Loud bangs were heard Tuesday evening in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, which hosts US bases, AFP journalists said.

Explosions were heard mostly near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops, an AFP journalist said.

Since the start of the US-Israel campaign against Iran, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to a major US consulate complex.