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UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles and Drones as President Visits Injured

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defence confirmed its air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran. President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited five injured civilians—two Emiratis, an Indian, a Sudanese, and an Iranian—reassuring them of the nation's protection. The attacks are part of a broad Iranian retaliatory offensive across the region following US and Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian officials. The President vowed the UAE would emerge stronger from the conflict, directly addressing the nation's enemies.

Key Points: UAE Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones

  • UAE air defences engage Iranian projectiles
  • President visits injured civilians from 5 nations
  • Region on high alert after US-Israel strikes
  • Iran launches broad retaliatory offensive
3 min read

UAE air defences intercept "incoming missiles and drones from Iran": Defence Ministry

UAE confirms intercepting missiles and drones from Iran. President Mohamed bin Zayed visits injured civilians, vows to protect the nation.

"We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfil our duty. - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan"

Abu Dhabi, March 8

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its national air defences are currently engaged in responding to "incoming missiles and drones from Iran", as reported by Al Jazeera.

The military response follows a wave of aerial threats targeting the Gulf nation. Authorities stated that the audible disturbances and explosive sounds heard across the country are the "result of air defences intercepting the projectiles" launched from Iranian territory.

The Ministry's announcement serves to contextualise the heightened state of alert in the region, as defence systems work to neutralise threats before they reach their intended targets.

In a demonstration of national resilience amidst these attacks, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday met five civilians who were injured amid the escalating tensions in West Asia and the Gulf region. During his visit to check on the injured currently receiving treatment in hospital, the President underlined that the UAE would continue to protect its people and the country, highlighting that they would emerge stronger than before.

Providing details on the victims, President Al Nahyan said, "I am here at the hospital visiting five of those who were injured in the recent events. All five are civilians: two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese, and one Iranian. They are all our responsibility, and, God willing, they will make a full recovery."

The President reassured the public that everything is well in the UAE and expressed his gratitude to the armed forces, the Ministry of Interior, security services, and Civil Defence for their service.

"We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfil our duty, because it is our obligation to protect our people and our country," he asserted. "We will carry out our duty towards our country, our people, and our residents who are also part of our family. May God protect the UAE, protect its people, and safeguard everyone who lives in it with dignity and security. I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger than before."

Addressing the external threats directly, the UAE President added, "Another message I would like to convey is directed at the enemies of the UAE: The UAE is attractive; the UAE is beautiful. The UAE is a model. But I say to them: Do not be misled by the UAE's appearance."

His visit and the subsequent military interceptions come against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security in the region. These developments were triggered after joint US and Israeli strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials.

In a massive retaliatory move, Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. This broad offensive has further widened the conflict in West Asia, significantly heightening the risks for both local civilians and the expatriate population.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The region is becoming a tinderbox. While the UAE's response is understandable, the root cause is the external intervention that led to the Iranian leader's death. This cycle of retaliation helps no one. India must ensure the safe evacuation of our citizens if things escalate further.
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Aman W
The President's message is strong, but honestly, it's scary for the common people living there. My friend in Abu Dhabi said the sounds were terrifying. Hope our MEA is in touch with UAE authorities regarding the safety of the large Indian diaspora. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Mumbai. It's a stark reminder of how interconnected our world is. An Indian was among the injured. This conflict, though far away, directly impacts global stability and oil prices, which affects all of us. A diplomatic solution is urgently needed.
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Vikram M
Respect to UAE for protecting its residents from all nationalities. The President saying the injured Iranian is also their responsibility shows maturity. However, I hope India maintains its balanced foreign policy and doesn't get dragged into these distant conflicts. Our focus should be our own borders.
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Karthik V
The technology behind these air defence systems is impressive to intercept missiles and drones. But at what cost? The article mentions the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes. Sometimes I feel these powerful nations play chess with entire regions, and ordinary people pay the price. Stay safe, everyone in the UAE.

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