NewKerala.com

UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles, Drones; Dismantles Hezbollah-Linked Network

The United Arab Emirates announced its air defense systems successfully intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran. Simultaneously, the UAE's State Security Department dismantled and arrested members of a network it alleges was funded and directed by Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran, operating under a commercial front. Hezbollah has rejected the accusation as "fabricated" and baseless. The developments occur amid heightened regional military escalation following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February.

Key Points: UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles, Dismantles Hezbollah Network

  • UAE intercepted 4 ballistic missiles and 26 drones
  • Security dismantled Hezbollah and Iran-linked network
  • Network accused of threatening UAE's financial stability
  • Regional military escalation discussed with Turkish FM
2 min read

UAE intercepts missiles, drones, says dismantles Hezbollah, Iran-linked network

UAE air defense intercepts ballistic missiles & drones from Iran, dismantles a Hezbollah-linked network. Regional tensions escalate.

"funded and directed by Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran - UAE State Security Department"

Dubai, March 21

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran, while its security department dismantled a network related to Hezbollah and Iran.

The Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems had dealt with 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 drones targeting the UAE, since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Friday, the UAE State Security Department said it had dismantled a network "funded and directed" by Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran, with its members arrested.

Authorities alleged the group had operated under the cover of a fictitious commercial front, and sought to infiltrate the country's economy and carry out external agendas that threatened financial stability.

Hezbollah has rejected the UAE accusation, calling the claims "fabricated" and baseless.

Egypt, for its part, condemned the "terrorist schemes" targeting the security and stability of the Gulf states, the most recent of which targeted Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday met with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Both sides discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region and its serious implications for regional and international security and stability, underscoring the need to halt the escalation and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further tensions and crises, the Emirates News Agency reported.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Iran. Tehran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The UAE has been a second home for so many Indians. It's terrifying to think of such attacks happening there. The economic stability of the Gulf is crucial for India too, with so much trade and remittances. Hope diplomacy prevails soon.
V
Vikram M
While the UAE's security concerns are valid, I hope their investigations are solid. Accusing Hezbollah and Iran is a major claim. We've seen in the past how such accusations can be used to justify further actions. The region needs de-escalation, not more blame games.
P
Priya S
My brother works in Dubai. He called us yesterday saying they heard sirens. It's no longer a distant conflict. This directly impacts lakhs of Indian families. Our government should actively engage in calling for peace. We cannot afford another war, especially with rising oil prices.
R
Rohit P
The mention of a "fictitious commercial front" is worrying. It shows how non-state actors can weaponize global finance. India needs to be extra vigilant about such networks possibly operating here too. Our security agencies must be learning from this.
M
Michael C
Egypt condemning the schemes is a good sign of Arab unity on security. But the real test is whether regional powers can sit Iran and Israel down. Every day this continues, it hurts global trade routes that India depends on. Time for quiet, firm diplomacy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50