The Gulf region has been placed on high alert after Kuwait and Bahrain activated nationwide air raid sirens amid rapidly escalating tensions linked to the widening confrontation between Iran and the United States. Kuwaiti authorities announced that the country was responding to hostile missile and drone threats, with air defence systems reportedly intercepting incoming projectiles. Residents across multiple areas reported hearing powerful explosions as interception operations unfolded, while emergency sirens echoed across the country. The Kuwaiti Army has urged citizens and residents to strictly follow all official safety and security instructions as authorities continue to monitor the evolving threat situation. Shortly after Kuwait's alert, neighbouring Bahrain also activated nationwide air raid sirens, calling on residents to remain calm and immediately move to the nearest safe location. The twin alerts have heightened concerns over the potential expansion of the regional conflict beyond its current theatres. WATCH

Pakistan's internal crisis over Balochistan has intensified after opposition leaders publicly accused the country's political and military establishment of failing to resolve the province's decades-long conflict. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military claimed that 42 security personnel have been killed in recent militant attacks and once again accused India of backing insurgent groups in Balochistan.