The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that six people were killed after its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran, as tensions continue to escalate across the Gulf region.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the UAE intercepts Iranian missiles during a fresh wave of aerial attacks targeting the country.
According to the ministry, air defence systems successfully engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fired from Iran.
“UAE air defence systems on 14th March engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry said in the statement.
The authorities said the latest incident reflects the growing scale of attacks since the beginning of what it described as Iranian aggression against the Gulf nation.
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Officials disclosed that since the start of the hostilities, the UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones in large numbers as part of its ongoing defence operations.
“Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
Authorities also confirmed casualties linked to the aerial attacks. According to the ministry, six people have been killed, including citizens of the United Arab Emirates as well as nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
In addition, about 141 people suffered minor to moderate injuries. The injured include residents and foreign workers from several countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
Officials did not provide specific details about the exact locations of the incidents but indicated that the casualties were linked to multiple aerial threats over time.
Reaffirming its readiness, the ministry stressed that the armed forces remain on high alert as the UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and other threats targeting the country.
“The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” the statement said, adding that the military would firmly confront attempts to undermine the country’s security, sovereignty and stability.
The development comes amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and several Gulf countries, raising fears of a broader conflict that could disrupt global oil supply routes and regional stability.