Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 8 (ANI): The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence has confirmed that national air defences are engaged in responding to “incoming missiles and drones from Iran,” Al Jazeera reported.
Authorities said the audible disturbances and explosions heard across the country were caused by air defences intercepting projectiles launched from Iranian territory. The ministry’s statement framed the heightened alert as defensive measures to neutralise threats before they reached intended targets.
In a show of national resilience amid the attacks, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited five civilians injured during the escalation in West Asia and the Gulf. Speaking at the hospital, the President said the injured included two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese, and one Iranian, and expressed confidence in their full recovery.
“I am here at the hospital visiting five of those who were injured in the recent events. All five are civilians: two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese, and one Iranian. They are all our responsibility, and, God willing, they will make a full recovery,” President Al Nahyan said.
He reassured the public that the situation in the UAE is under control and thanked the armed forces, Ministry of Interior, security services, and Civil Defence for their efforts. “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. “We will carry out our duty towards our country, our people, and our residents who are also part of our family. May God protect the UAE, protect its people, and safeguard everyone who lives in it with dignity and security. I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger than before.”
Addressing external threats, the President warned: “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.”
The interceptions occurred amid rapidly deteriorating regional security after joint US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allied states across the region, targeting locations in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The broad offensive has widened the conflict in West Asia and heightened risks for local civilians and expatriates. (ANI)
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