UAE intercepts 11 ballistic missiles, 27 drones in Iranian attacks

The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran on Monday, according to WAM news agency. Since the onset of repeated Iranian attacks, UAE forces have engaged 425 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,941 UAVs, the Ministry of Defense said. The strikes have killed two UAE armed forces members, a Moroccan civilian contractor, and eight foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, Nepalis, Bangladeshis, Palestinians, and Indians. Authorities reported 178 injuries ranging from minor to severe. The injured include nationals from more than 30 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden, and Tunisia. The UAE Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its readiness to respond to threats and defend the country’s sovereignty, security, and national interests. The attacks mark a continued escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, where missile and drone strikes have raised concerns about regional stability and international shipping routes.