UAE air defenses intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran

The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran , according to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The report said the interceptions took place on Wednesday as part of what it described as ongoing Iranian aggression.

Since the onset of the attacks, UAE air defenses have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 UAVs, the agency reported.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of the UAE armed forces while performing their duties, according to the report.

Six civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities were also killed, it said.

A total of 158 people were injured. The injuries ranged from minor to moderate and severe, according to the agency.

Those injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, 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 said it remains fully prepared to respond to threats and will confront attempts to undermine state security.

The ministry said it would act in a manner that ensures the protection of the country’s sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities.

The UAE, a federation of seven emirates in the Gulf region, has been facing a series of aerial attacks attributed to Iran.