Drone debris knocks out six Kuwait power transmission lines

KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait was plunged into partial blackouts early Thursday after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone slammed into six high-voltage power transmission lines, disrupting electricity supply to thousands of homes and businesses across multiple governorates.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said the incident occurred shortly after midnight when fragments from a downed Iranian drone struck pylons and cables in the northern and central regions.

The damage forced an automatic shutdown of the affected lines, cutting power to large parts of Al-Jahra, Al-Farwaniya and parts of the Capital Governorate. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately, with officials confirming that backup systems prevented total collapse of the national grid.

In a statement, the ministry described the event as “collateral damage from Iranian aggression” and confirmed that Kuwaiti air defence systems had successfully intercepted the incoming drone swarm before the debris fell.

No casualties were reported, though some residential areas experienced outages lasting up to six hours. Hospitals, airports and desalination plants continued operating on emergency generators, and authorities urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption until full restoration is complete, expected within 24-36 hours.

This is the latest in a series of Iranian strikes and near-misses that have targeted Gulf energy and infrastructure since late February. Kuwait has already intercepted dozens of missiles and drones in recent weeks, joining Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia in facing Tehran’s retaliatory campaign following US-Israeli strikes. Oil prices climbed further on Thursday, with Brent crude holding above $102 per barrel amid fears of broader supply disruptions.

Kuwaiti officials stressed that oil production and export terminals remain fully operational and unaffected.

“Our critical infrastructure is protected and resilient,” said a senior government spokesperson. “We will restore every line and continue delivering uninterrupted services to our people.”

The incident follows closely on the heels of the Iranian strike on fuel tanks in Bahrain’s Muharraq Governorate yesterday and repeated attacks on UAE targets. GCC leaders have intensified coordination, with Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and other officials participating in regional security calls throughout the night.