January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
DUBAI, March 17 — Missiles and drones struck the United Arab Emirates on Monday, killing one civilian, disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport, and triggering a fire at a key oil hub.
Iran has continued its attacks on the UAE since conflict erupted in the region, targeting energy infrastructure and disrupting commercial air travel across the Gulf.
The strikes have added economic strain on the oil-rich nation, which is also a major global travel hub.
In Umm Al Quwain, a drone strike damaged a building but caused no casualties, authorities said. The attacks came a day after Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, alleged that US bases in the region were used to launch air raids and that missiles had been fired from the UAE at Iran’s Kharg Island — claims denied by UAE officials.
In Fujairah, a drone strike hit oil infrastructure, sparking a fire. Authorities reported no injuries and said efforts to contain the blaze are ongoing. The incident follows earlier reports of smoke rising from a major energy facility in the emirate.
A key pipeline in Fujairah allows much of the UAE’s oil exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been shut by Iran in response to US-Israeli attacks that triggered the conflict.
State oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has reportedly suspended oil loading operations at its Fujairah facility following repeated strikes.
A Palestinian civilian was killed near Abu Dhabi after a missile struck a vehicle, according to state media. The UAE has recorded seven deaths since the conflict began, including five civilians and two military personnel killed in a helicopter crash attributed to a technical fault.
Dubai Airports said flights at the world’s busiest international hub are gradually resuming after a nearby fuel tank fire caused by a drone-related incident. Witnesses reported thick smoke near the airport and said passengers were evacuated to lower levels for several hours.
Residents and travellers described hearing frequent explosions in recent weeks, with the ongoing attacks continuing to disrupt travel plans despite air defence systems intercepting most incoming threats.
Iran has launched more than 1,900 missiles and drones at the UAE since the conflict began — more than against any other country — targeting not only military and US-linked assets but also civilian infrastructure such as airports, ports and oil facilities.
Explosions were also reported in Doha, where officials said dialogue with Iran would depend on it halting attacks in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted over 60 drones in its eastern region, while Qatar reported intercepting most of 14 missiles and several drones launched its way. Bahrain said it has intercepted 350 Iranian projectiles since the conflict began. — AFP
