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UAE Intercepts 137 Iranian Missiles, 209 Drones in Major Attack

The United Arab Emirates announced its air defences successfully intercepted 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran, with most being destroyed. The attacks caused material damage, including a fire on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah believed to be from falling debris, and led to one death and multiple injuries at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. The aviation authority activated contingency plans, impacting over 20,000 travelers with flight rescheduling. Concurrently, Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in what it described as US-Israeli attacks.

Key Points: UAE Intercepts 137 Iranian Missiles, 209 Drones

  • 137 ballistic missiles launched
  • 209 drones detected
  • One death and injuries at airport
  • Dubai fire from missile debris
  • Iran announces leader's death
2 min read

UAE air defences intercept 137 missiles, 209 drones launched by Iran

UAE air defences intercept massive Iranian barrage of 137 missiles and 209 drones, causing casualties and damage in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"The authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi Airports"

Abu Dhabi, March 1

The United Arab Emirates said on Sunday that the country's air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said 132 of the 137 missiles were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. Of the 209 drones detected, 195 were intercepted, and 14 landed within the country's territory and waters, causing limited collateral damage.

Some debris fell in scattered areas, resulting in minor material damage to civilian facilities, the ministry said, adding that authorities had taken necessary measures to ensure public safety and secure affected sites, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport, where the interception operation led to the fall of shrapnel, resulting in one death of Asian nationality and 7 injuries," Abu Dhabi Airports said in an official statement.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it had activated contingency plans to manage the impact of the attack and ensure the aviation sector continued operation.

About 20,200 travellers have been impacted by the flight rescheduling, with temporary lodging, meals and rebooking arrangements provided, the GCAA said.

Earlier on Saturday, a fire broke out in a building on Dubai's landmark Palm Jumeirah, which is believed to have been caused by falling Iranian missile debris.

Earlier in the evening, videos circulating on social media showed a dense column of black smoke rising from the top of the structure, while several loud explosions were reported in the area.

Dubai Civil Defence said four people were injured in an explosion in the Palm Jumeirah area.

Meanwhile, Iran's state media confirmed Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli attacks. The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period after the report of the leader's death.

Four relatives of Khamenei, including his daughter, grandchild and son-in-law, were also killed in the US-Israeli strikes, reported Iran's Fars News Agency, citing sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So many innocent lives disrupted - 20,000 travelers impacted! The human cost is always the worst part of these conflicts. The death of the Asian national worker is heartbreaking. UAE is home to so many Indian expats, this news makes me very anxious for their safety.
R
Rohit P
The scale of this attack is mind-boggling - 137 missiles and 209 drones! Iran is clearly lashing out after their leader's death. This region is a tinderbox. India must tread very carefully with its diplomacy. We have strong ties with both the Gulf nations and Iran.
S
Sarah B
While the UAE's defence was impressive, let's not forget this attack was a retaliation. The article mentions the Iranian leader and his family were killed by US-Israeli strikes. The cycle of violence needs to stop. Every side needs to show restraint, for the sake of global stability.
V
Vikram M
Fire on Palm Jumeirah from missile debris... that's one of the most iconic places in Dubai. Shows how these conflicts can damage global economic hubs. Hope our MEA is in touch to ensure the safety of the huge Indian community there. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
The article says "limited collateral damage" but even one death is too many. Also, 14 drones and 5 missiles got through. That's a sobering fact. No defence is 100%. This will push oil prices up for sure, affecting all of us back home. Bad news for the economy.

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