Muscat: Two expatriate workers were killed in Oman after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a building during a security operation to stop an aerial attack in the Gulf region on Friday.
According to Omani authorities, air defence systems intercepted two drones over the country. One of the drones was brought down near the Al Awahi industrial area in Sohar governorate. Debris from the destroyed drone fell on a building in the area, killing two expatriate workers and injuring several others.
Officials said emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Security agencies also secured the site and began an investigation into the incident.
Another drone was intercepted in a nearby area and crashed in an open location without causing damage or casualties.
Authorities have not officially confirmed where the drones were launched from. However the incident comes as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East with several countries reporting drone and missile threats in recent days.
Security alerts have been raised across Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai, air defence systems were also activated earlier after suspected drones entered the region’s airspace. Debris from intercepted aerial threats reportedly damaged parts of a building in the city.
The recent attacks are linked to the wider escalation of conflict in the region following military strikes involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Since the escalation began several drones and missiles have been launched toward Gulf countries, with most of them intercepted by defence systems.
Authorities in Oman said they are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening air defence and security measures to protect civilian areas and key infrastructure.
The incident has raised concerns about the risk to civilians even when drones or missiles are intercepted, as falling debris can still cause serious damage and loss of life.