Why Iran Is Targeting Hotels, Oil Refineries and Airports, Not Just US Military Sites?
The Middle East conflict has entered a worrying new phase after Iran was reported to have broadened its range of attacks to civilian infrastructure across Gulf states. While initially focusing on targets belonging to the United States, it now includes hotels, airports, and domestic energy facilities targeted by missiles and drones.
Here are the details of sites targeted according to official local authorities, as reported by Al Jazeera.
- Energy Infrastructure (Oil and Gas)
Global economic impact is already being felt after two regional energy giants became targets:
QatarEnergy: the world’s largest LNG producer, was forced to halt production at Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities following Iranian attacks.
Saudi Aramco: the largest domestic oil refinery in Ras Tanura was temporarily closed after a fire caused by drone debris. Tehran denies involvement and calls the Aramco incident a ‘false flag’ operation by Israel to sow discord in the region.
- Airports and Airlines
The paralysis of air travel on one of the world’s busiest routes has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded.
UAE: Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) reported one death due to an ‘incident’, while Dubai International Airport (DXB) sustained minor damage.
Iraq: Erbil International Airport in the Kurdish region was attacked twice by drones.
The attacks have forced major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad to suspend the majority of their flight schedules.