Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has faced one of the most intense missile and drone attacks in its history, as Iran launched a large-scale retaliation targeting U.S. and Israeli military interests across the Gulf region.
According to UAE authorities, Iran fired 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones toward the country. While the majority were intercepted by UAE air defence systems, falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones struck residential areas, resulting in casualties.
Officials confirmed that three people were killed after missile debris landed in populated zones. The victims were reportedly nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. At least 58 people were injured, including Indian nationals, authorities said.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that 152 ballistic missiles and 506 drones were intercepted mid-air, significantly reducing the scale of damage. However, 21 drones reportedly struck civilian areas, causing fatalities and property damage.
The attacks come amid escalating regional tensions following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which Tehran described as the trigger for its retaliatory strikes.
