An Iranian missile flies toward Israel, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, as seen from Jerusalem, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Jamal Awad TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 21 (ANI): The UAE Ministry of Defence on Saturday said the country’s air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of aerial threats since the start of the West Asia conflict, including 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,748 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry said air defence systems engaged three ballistic missiles and eight UAVs launched from Iran on March 21.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 21, 2026, engaged three ballistic missiles and eight UAVs launched from Iran. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,748 UAVs,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the attacks have resulted in casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
Two members of the armed forces were killed while performing their national duty.
Meanwhile, six civilian fatalities were reported among foreign nationals, including individuals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Palestine.
A total of 160 people sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. The injured included nationals from multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates, India, Egypt, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and others.
“These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as six fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. A total of 160 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Ministry of Defence said it remains fully prepared to counter any threats and will respond firmly to attempts aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
The development comes amid escalating tensions following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 in joint US-Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Iran has targeted Israeli and US-linked assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting regional waterways and impacting global energy markets.
Due to the conflict, Iran has effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supplies.
Following Khamenei’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. (ANI)
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