The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has said its air defence systems intercepted several aerial threats launched from Iran as tensions continue to escalate in the Gulf region.
In a statement posted on its official 𝕏 handle on Saturday, the ministry disclosed that multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted during the latest wave of attacks.
“UAE air defence systems on 14th March engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the statement read.
The ministry said the interceptions were part of a wider pattern of hostilities since the beginning of what it described as “the onsets of the blatant Iranian aggression.”
According to the ministry, the country’s defence forces have repeatedly activated their air defence systems to neutralise threats targeting the UAE.
Providing a cumulative breakdown, the ministry said, “Since the onsets of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1600 UAVs launched from Iran.”
The figures indicate what authorities described as sustained aerial attacks involving missiles and drones over time.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks had resulted in deaths and injuries involving residents of different nationalities living and working in the UAE.
According to the statement, “These attacks have resulted in six fatalities of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals.”
It added that “141 minor to moderate injuries” had been recorded among 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, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
However, the ministry did not specify the exact locations of the casualties or the particular incidents that led to them.
The defence ministry stressed that the armed forces remain on high alert and ready to respond to any threats against the country.
“The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” the statement said.
It added that the military would “firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Qatar has also raised concerns over what it described as repeated Iranian aggression.
On Friday, the Qatari government said it had submitted another formal complaint to the United Nations and the UN Security Council regarding alleged Iranian attacks on its territory.
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the complaint was sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and to the United States Permanent Representative to the UN and President of the Security Council for March, Michael Waltz.
The letter was submitted by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.
According to the Qatari government, the communication was intended to inform the UN of what it described as Iranian aggression and its implications for regional security.
The letter also described the incidents as serious violations of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
