Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence confirmed that national air defences engaged and intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched from Iranian territory, Al Jazeera reported. Authorities said the loud disturbances and explosions heard across the country were caused by air-defence systems neutralising projectiles before they reached intended targets.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited five civilians injured during the escalation, offering reassurance and praise for security forces. At the hospital he said the injured included two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese and one Iranian, and expressed confidence in their recovery: “They are all our responsibility, and, God willing, they will make a full recovery.”
The President thanked the armed forces, the Ministry of Interior, security services and Civil Defence for their efforts, and said the situation in the UAE is under control. “We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfil our duty, because it is our obligation to protect our people and our country,” he added, pledging to protect residents and to emerge stronger. He also warned external actors not to be misled by the UAE’s appearance: “The UAE is attractive; the UAE is beautiful. The UAE is a model. But I say to them: Do not be misled by the UAE’s appearance.”
Officials linked the interceptions to a rapid deterioration in regional security following reports that joint US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. In response, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles and drones against US assets and allied states across the region, with strikes or attempted strikes affecting locations in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The broader offensive has widened the conflict in West Asia and increased risks for local civilians and expatriates.
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