Iran-US War: Kuwait's Power and Water Desalination Plant Attacked, Authorities Deny Radiation Leak Rumours

One of Kuwait's key power and water desalination plants suffered significant damage in an airstrike as the Iran-US war entered its second month in April. The facility was reportedly hit by an Iranian attack before midday(local time) on Friday, according to the Kuwait News Agency.

This was the third such attack on Kuwait's desalination plants infrastructure in last two weeks. The extent of damage is still unknown. The latest attack on Kuwait's desalination plant is likely to impact the power and water supply in the region.

Emergency Repair Underway

The local authorities are assessing the extent of damage due to latest attacks on the water desalination plant. Kuwait Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy on Friday confirmed the attack on one of its desalination plants. The Ministry saiud that the strike caused material damage to parts of the facility. The technical and emergency teams have immediately responded in line with the approved plans and the emergency repair work is underway, Kuwait Times cited Ministry spokesperson Engineer Fatima Hayat.

Technical and emergency teams began work "immediately" to "maintain operational efficiency", Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water said in a statement on X.

Authorities Deny Rumours of Radiation Leak

The attack on one of the crucial desalination plant in Kuwait has raised concerns among people. Authorities are on high alert as Gulf countries continue to bear the brunt of the West Asia crisis due to Iran-US war. Meanwhile, Kuwait authorities have rejected rumours of radiation leak and have urged people to not panic and not spread any misinformation.

Kuwait is one of the closest countries to Iran. The two countries' coastlines are separated with a stretch of 80 kilometres.

Kuwait Oil Refinery Hit In Drone Attack

Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery was also reportedly hit by Iranian drone attacks. However, no injury was reported in the attack, reported BBC citing Kuwaiti officials. However, the desalination plant attack is likely to be a major setback, as 90% of the Middle East relies on such plants to meet maximum percentage of its drinking water needs.

UK PM In Talks With Kuwait To Deploy UK Air Defence Systems

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held conversations with Crown Prince of Kuwait earlier on Friday to discuss the deployment of UK air defence systems to the country. He also criticised the reckless overnight drone attack on Kuwait's crucial infrastructure including oil refinery, and desalination plants.