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UAE Intercepts 12 Ballistic Missiles, 17 Drones in Major Iranian Attack

The United Arab Emirates announced its air defenses successfully intercepted 12 ballistic missiles and 17 unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with 117 others sustaining minor injuries. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated the nation is fully prepared to confront such threats and prioritizes the security of all within its borders. The conflict intensified following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran at the end of February, prompting Iranian retaliation against regional targets.

Key Points: UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles, Drones in West Asia Conflict

  • UAE intercepts 12 of 15 ballistic missiles
  • 17 of 18 Iranian drones destroyed
  • Attacks killed 4 foreign nationals, injured 117
  • Conflict escalated after US-Israel strikes on Iran
  • UAE President affirms readiness to confront threats
3 min read

UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 17 UAVs amid West Asia conflict

UAE air defenses destroy 12 ballistic missiles and 17 UAVs amid ongoing conflict. Four foreign workers killed, 117 injured in Iranian attacks.

"The UAE places its security and the protection of all citizens, residents, and visitors at the very top of its priorities. - Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan"

Abu Dhabi, March 9

The UAE's Ministry of Defence said on Monday that its air defences detected 15 ballistic missiles, of which 12 were destroyed, while three fell into the sea.

According to the statement released by UAE's Ministry of Defence amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, 18 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were detected, of which 17 were intercepted while one fell within the country's territory.

"Since the start of the Iranian attacks, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 233 were destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and 2 landed within the country. A total of 1,440 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,359 were intercepted, while 81 fell within the country's territory. 8 cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed," read the statement.

"These attacks resulted in four deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 117 people sustained minor injuries. The injured include nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan and Palestine," it added.

The UAE's Ministry of Defence expressed its readiness to deal with any threats and will respond firmly to any attempts to undermine the country's security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and protecting its national interests and capabilities.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia began after the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, which led to Iran launching drone and missile attacks targetting US assets, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.

On Saturday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that UAE places its security and the protection of all its people and visitors at the top of its priorities and expressed country's readiness to tackle any threats.

In a statement shared on X, he stated, "To all those who call the UAE home and guests in our beloved nation. The UAE places its security and the protection of all citizens, residents, and visitors at the very top of its priorities. With God's grace, the UAE is fully prepared to confront these threats."

He praised UAE's armed forces, security services and all national institutions and teams working to keep the country safe. He also lauded the awareness shown by the people of the UAE.

The UAE President added: "I would also like to underscore my sincere gratitude for the awareness shown by our community of Emiratis and our resident brothers and sisters, partners in this nation, who have expressed their genuine love and loyalty to the UAE through both words and actions. In the UAE, everyone is Emirati through their love for this land and their contributions to it.

"May God have mercy on the victims and grant the injured a speedy recovery. With God's blessing, the UAE -- the land of Zayed -- will remain strong in its unity, steadfast in defending its sovereignty, and steadily advancing towards the future," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The numbers are staggering - 253 missiles, 1440 UAVs intercepted. It shows the scale of the conflict spilling over. While the UAE's defence readiness is commendable, this escalation is bad for the entire Gulf region, which is crucial for India's energy security and diaspora. Hope for de-escalation soon.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the UAE's statement focuses on its defence, the article mentions the conflict began after US-Israel strikes on Iran. The narrative feels one-sided. Every action has a reaction. We need balanced reporting that holds all parties accountable, not just one.
S
Sarah B
The list of injured nationals is a stark reminder of how globalized the workforce is in the Gulf. Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Philippines... so many families back home must be worried sick. This isn't just a regional conflict; its ripple effects are felt across South Asia.
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Vikram M
The UAE President's message of unity is powerful – "everyone is Emirati through their love for this land." It's a good model for pluralistic societies. But words need to be backed by even stronger actions to protect every resident, regardless of nationality. The loss of even one life is one too many.
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Karthik V
As an Indian with family working in Dubai, this news is scary. We always think of the UAE as a safe oasis. The government must ensure the safety of all expatriates. Our MEA should also be proactive in communicating safety protocols to the Indian community there.

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