Civilians near major U.S. military installations across UAE (Al Dhafra), Bahrain (Fifth Fleet HQ), Qatar (Al Udeid), and Kuwait (Camp Arifjan) began mass evacuations on February 28, 2026, following Iranian IRGC missile barrages in retaliation for Israel-US strikes on Tehran.
Panic Near Key Bases
- Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra): Traffic chaos on Sheikh Zayed Road as families flee apartments; supermarkets emptied after confirmed missile intercepts.
- Manama, Bahrain: Sirens force evacuations around NSA Bahrain; black smoke visible from strikes.
- Doha, Qatar: Shelter-in-place near Al Udeid after failed missile downed overhead.
Preemptive Military Moves
U.S. reduced personnel at Gulf bases days prior (Al Udeid: hundreds relocated), echoing January 2026 Qatar evacuations before prior strikes. Qataris confirmed “all measures for resident safety” post-attacks.
Broader Exodus
Indian carriers (Air India Express Trichy-Dubai denied landing) highlight aviation chaos. Regional panic mirrors 2025 U.S. base consolidations ahead of nuclear site strikes.
