UAE intercepts 186 ballistic missiles and 812 drones amid Iranian aggression
Three fatalities, 68 minor injuries reported
DUBAI – The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones on Tuesday, while one missile landed within the country’s territory without causing human casualties. The announcement came during a government media briefing detailing the scale of the ongoing Iranian aggression.
Since the beginning of the attacks, 186 ballistic missiles were detected as launched towards the UAE. Of these, 172 were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea, and one landed within the State’s territory. The Ministry also reported that 812 Iranian drones were detected, with 755 intercepted and 57 falling within the country. Eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.
Interception operations
Brigadier General Staff Abdulnasser Mohammed Al Hamidi, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, said the sounds heard across various areas were caused by air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and UAE fighter jets targeting drones and cruise missiles.
He clarified that recorded injuries resulted from debris caused by interceptions rather than direct strikes. Interception operations were conducted under approved rules of engagement and operational safety procedures, minimising damage and loss of life.
Casualties reported
The incidents resulted in three fatalities – Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals – and 68 minor injuries among Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals. Some civilian facilities sustained minor to moderate material damage.
Full readiness
The Armed Forces are continuing 24/7 monitoring of airspace, territorial waters and land. Reinforced deployments, elevated combat readiness and enhanced surveillance systems remain in place.
The Ministry strongly condemned the targeting as a grave violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming the UAE’s right to respond and take necessary measures to safeguard security and stability. The public was urged to rely solely on official sources and avoid circulating rumours.