- An explosion was heard on Dubai's Palm Island during Iran strikes
- A plume of smoke rose from the man-made island following the explosion
- A witness observed thick black smoke coming from a hotel on The Palm
An explosion has been reported at the Palm Jumeirah area, the iconic man-made island in Dubai, as Iran launched strikes in the Gulf region in retaliation against US and Israeli attacks. Confirming the incident, the Dubai Media Office said that four persons were injured and were taken for treatment. The fire is now under control, it added.
"Dubai authorities confirm that an incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately, and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control," said the Dubai Media Office.
Visuals showed black smoke rising from the man-made island while Dubai residents reported several loud bangs after the explosion. A witness told news agency AFP that they heard the explosion and ambulances rushing towards the scene.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists in Dubai to remain calm and refrain from circulating visuals of the incident on social media.
Read: Dubai's Burj Khalifa Hit By Iran Missile? Video Shows Explosion Near World's Tallest Building
"The safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors remain the highest priority. Authorities continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the public. The public is urged to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from official sources, and refrain from circulating videos or images on social media," said the Dubai Media Office.
Palm Jumeirah is a landmark man-made archipelago in Dubai known for its unique tree shape when viewed from above. One of the world's most ambitious engineering projects, the archipelago hosts several luxury hotels, panoramic views, and leisure spots.
US, Israel Attack; Iran's Retaliation
The US and Israel launched a barrage of preemptive attacks on Iran this morning, branded as 'Operation Epic Fury,' capping days of speculations over action aimed at a change in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime in Iran. Several explosions were reported near the offices of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader.
Read: Khamenei Dead Or Alive? Israeli Claim Meets Iran's "As Far As I Know" Reply
"Drop arms or face death," warned US President Donald Trump, justifying the strikes on Iran as necessary to defend the American people.
Iran closed its airspace soon after the strikes and vowed to respond decisively. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond decisively to the aggressors...Just as we were ready for negotiations, we are now more prepared than ever to defend the Iranian nation," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
