Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Mar 1: Three expatriates were killed and 58 others injured in the UAE after Iranian missile and drone strikes over the past two days, Khaleej Times reported, quoting the UAE Ministry of Defence.

According to Khaleej Times, English daily, the deceased include nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The injured comprise citizens and residents of several nationalities, including Emirati, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Iranian, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals.

The Ministry of Defence said that since Saturday, February 28, a total of 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards the UAE were detected. Of these, 152 were destroyed by air defence systems, while 13 fell into the sea.

On the second day of the attacks, the UAE air defence forces reportedly destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, downed eight into the sea, destroyed two cruise missiles and intercepted 311 drones. In total, two cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.

Authorities said 541 Iranian drones were detected over the two-day period. Of these, 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 reached UAE territory, resulting in material damage to civilian properties. Additionally, 21 drones reportedly struck civilian targets.

The ministry noted that debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused minor to moderate damage to several civilian properties.

The UAE Air Force and air defence forces successfully intercepted a large number of projectiles during the ongoing attacks, the ministry said, adding that the country remains on high alert and ready to respond to any threats.

Officials emphasised that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains the top priority and urged the public to rely on official sources for updates and avoid spreading unverified information or rumours.