William Ruto Condemns Gulf Missile Strikes, Calls for Urgent De-escalation
In a statement released Monday, President Ruto said the widening scope of the war risks destabilizing the broader region after Iran launched retaliatory strikes against multiple Gulf states following attacks by the United States and Israel over the weekend
By : Mweru Mbugua
President William Ruto has condemned the latest missile and drone attacks targeting American military bases in Gulf countries, warning that the escalating Middle East conflict poses a grave danger to international peace and security
In a statement released Monday, President Ruto said the widening scope of the war risks destabilizing the broader region after Iran launched retaliatory strikes against multiple Gulf states following attacks by the United States and Israel over the weekend
Iran reportedly targeted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The strikes mark a significant expansion of hostilities in a conflict that has intensified in recent days
“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for resolving the current crisis in the Middle East,” Ruto said. He urged immediate diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation and dialogue
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that two people, including a Pakistani civilian, were killed in Abu Dhabi. The country’s defence ministry said 137 missiles and 209 drones were launched toward its territory. Witnesses in Dubai reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke rising from the Palm Jumeirah area, with four people sustaining injuries
Qatar’s defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted several missiles targeting the country
In Iraq, two people were killed in air strikes on a military base housing the pro-Iran militia group Kataeb Hezbollah, which has since threatened retaliation against U.S. forces
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also announced measures to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and gas exports, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies worldwide
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the deteriorating situation. Iran’s envoy accused the United States and Israel of committing a possible war crime by allegedly targeting civilians
Also read : President Ruto, DP Kindiki Mourn Death of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that continued military escalation risks triggering uncontrollable consequences across the region
The hostilities have disrupted global aviation, with thousands of flights delayed or cancelled in what is being described as the most significant air travel disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the UAE announced partial airspace closures following Saturday’s strikes
Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, has suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah indefinitely
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a travel advisory urging Kenyans residing in or transiting through the Middle East to exercise extreme caution. He advised citizens to avoid non-essential movement, especially near military installations and crowded public spaces, and to follow guidance issued by local authorities
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s support for diplomatic efforts to restore stability, emphasizing that a multilateral approach remains critical to preventing further escalation in the volatile region
