UAE reports launch of 7 ballistic missiles, 15 drones from Iran

ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems engaged seven ballistic missiles and 15 drones from Iran on Thursday, as regional tensions continued to intensify.

The Defense Ministry, however, did not specify any possible injuries or damage from the attack.

The ministry added in a statement that air defenses had dealt with 334 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,714 drones from Iran since Feb. 28.

It said two soldiers and six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities were killed in the Iranian attacks, while 158 other people of different nationalities were injured.

Regional escalation continues to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.