The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that its air defence systems successfully intercepted several missiles and drones launched from Iran, as tensions in the Gulf region continue to intensify.
In a statement shared on its official đť•Ź account on Saturday, the ministry revealed that multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralised during the latest round of attacks.
“On March 14, UAE air defence systems engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
Officials explained that the interceptions form part of a broader pattern of hostilities that has persisted since what the UAE described as the beginning of “blatant Iranian aggression.”
According to the ministry, the country’s defence forces have repeatedly activated their air defence systems to counter aerial threats directed at the UAE.
Providing an overall breakdown, the ministry disclosed that since the escalation began, UAE defences have intercepted 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 drones launched from Iran.
Authorities said the figures reflect sustained aerial assaults carried out over time using both missiles and unmanned aircraft.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks have led to casualties among residents of various nationalities living and working in the UAE.
“Six fatalities have been recorded, involving Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals,” the statement said.
Additionally, 141 people sustained minor to moderate injuries, including residents and workers from several countries.
Those affected include nationals from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, TĂĽrkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
However, the ministry did not disclose the exact locations of the casualties or specify the particular incidents in which they occurred.
The defence authorities emphasised that the country’s armed forces remain on high alert and ready to respond to any threat to national security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared to deal with any threats,” the statement added, stressing that the military will decisively confront any attempt to undermine the nation’s sovereignty, stability and strategic interests.
Meanwhile, Qatar has also raised alarm over what it described as continued Iranian aggression.
On Friday, the Qatari government announced that it had filed another formal complaint with the United Nations and the UN Security Council regarding alleged Iranian attacks on its territory.
According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the complaint was addressed to António Guterres, as well as Michael Waltz.
The letter was submitted by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.
Qatar said the communication was intended to alert the UN to what it described as Iranian aggression and the potential risks it poses to regional stability, adding that the incidents constitute serious violations of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.