UAE Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Attack, Casualties Reported
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The United Arab Emirates’ air defense systems successfully intercepted a barrage of missiles and drones launched from Iran on Monday, March 11, 2026, according to a statement released by the UAE Ministry of Defence. This latest attack forms part of a larger escalation of hostilities, with Emirati air defenses having engaged a total of 268 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,514 drones since the beginning of the aggression.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the most recent wave consisted of six ballistic missiles, seven cruise missiles, and 39 drones. While the majority were intercepted, the attacks resulted in tragic loss of life and injuries.
Six people were killed, representing Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities. A total of 131 individuals sustained minor to moderate injuries, encompassing a diverse range of nationalities including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, and Indonesian citizens.
The Ministry of Defence affirmed its commitment to maintaining a high state of alert and readiness to counter any threats to the UAE’s stability, security, and sovereignty. The statement emphasized a firm resolve to protect national interests and capabilities.
Residents across the UAE received emergency alerts via mobile phone, confirming the situation was under control, Gulf News reported.
This incident underscores the growing tensions in the region, prompting international concern. The UAE has not yet publicly responded to the Iranian aggression beyond the Ministry of Defence’s statements.
