The United Arab Emirates said its air force and air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones since the start of Iranian attacks on Feb. 28, with three people killed and 58 others sustaining minor injuries, including Sri Lankan nationals.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said that since the beginning of the attacks, 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the UAE had been detected. Of those, 152 were destroyed, while 13 fell into sea waters.

The ministry said two cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

A total of 541 Iranian drones were identified, of which 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 fell within the country, causing material damage.

On the morning of the second day of attacks, air defence forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight fell into the sea. Two cruise missiles and 311 drones were also intercepted during that period. However, 21 drones struck civilian targets.

The incidents resulted in three fatalities — nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh — and 58 minor injuries among residents of various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals.

The ministry said debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell in several areas, causing minor to moderate material damage to civilian properties.

Authorities said the armed forces remain fully prepared to address any threats and stressed that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority. (Newswire)

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