Stay indoors, stay safe: S'pore embassies in Middle East in wake of strikes on Iran

Singaporeans in the Middle East should stay indoors and avoid going out, said Singapore embassies in Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

This comes after Israel launched a "pre-emptive" strike against Iran on Feb. 28, and the U.S. confirmed soon after that it had begun "major combat operations" there.

In a Feb. 28 Facebook post, the Singapore Embassy in Doha issued a directive from the Qatari authorities to "stay in their homes or a safe place, and not go out except for extreme necessity until the danger has passed".

Meanwhile, the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai advised Singaporeans to "remain indoors, stay in a safe location, and avoid unnecessary travel until further notice".

Singaporeans should also follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local news for updates.

Strikes in Qatar, UAE

After the initial strikes in Tehran, Iran's capital, Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.

Iran later confirmed that it had launched a wave of missiles and drones on Israel, reported the New York Times.

Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain have since reported being targeted by Iranian missiles.

All three have U.S. bases.

The U.S. base in Bahrain confirmed that it had been hit by a missile attack.

At least one person has also been killed in Abu Dhabi after the UAE intercepted Iranian missiles, according to Al-Jazeera.

Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Dubai, reported CNN.

Multiple flights, including by Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, have also been suspended.

E-register with MFA

Singaporeans in the Middle East are also encouraged to e-register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that they can be contacted should the need arise. 

Singaporeans who require consular advice or further assistance may contact the following numbers:

• Singapore Embassy in Doha: +974 4412 8082 / 3 or +974 5548 8608 (after office hours)
• The Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi: +971 2 222 2083
• The Consulate-General in Dubai: +971 4 321 9498
• Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +65 6379 8800 or +65 6379 8855

Top image from AFP