UAE intercepts 6 ballistic missile, 125 drones from Iran

ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said that its air defense systems destroyed six ballistic missiles and intercepted 125 drones from Iran on Thursday.

The UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement on the US social media company X that air defenses detected seven ballistic missiles, destroying six of them, while one missile fell inside the country’s territory.

The ministry added that 131 drones were also detected, with 125 successfully intercepted, while six drones fell inside the country.

Since the start of the Iranian attacks on Saturday, the ministry said air defenses have detected 196 ballistic missiles, destroying 181 of them, while 13 missiles fell into the sea, and two landed inside the country.

It also reported detecting 1,072 Iranian drones, of which 1,001 were intercepted, while 71 fell within UAE territory.

The ministry added that eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed by air defense systems.

According to the ministry, the attacks killed three people – of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities – and left 94 others with minor injuries.

The ministry stressed that the armed forces “remain fully prepared and ready to confront any threats and respond firmly to anything that seeks to undermine the country’s security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, stability and national interests.”

Iran has launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets since Feb. 28. Some of the attacks have caused casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran says the attacks came in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that has killed hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.