India, Feb. 28 -- Indian residents of Middle East or West Asian countries are huddled indoors after the US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered Tehran's retaliation with missiles fired at US military bases across the region. Panic has gripped cities near the bases, residents told HT on Saturday.

Shailja, an India resident of Qatar's capital city Doha, told HT, "There were loud sounds of explosions but seemed to be from far away for now - probably missiles intercepted in the air."

A 50-year-old mother of two daughters, she further said over text messages, "We're taking precautions and staying indoors. We hope to travel to India as soon as airspace opens. So far there's been no damage in our area. But we are keeping a watch and staying close ...