Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 11: The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran, with authorities stating that the incident caused no casualties or injuries.
According to a statement issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Defence on social media platform X, the country’s air defence network has been actively responding to sustained aerial threats since the beginning of the ongoing escalation.
Officials said that since the start of what they described as Iranian attacks, UAE defence systems have intercepted a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,265 drones.
The ministry also reported that the overall human toll from the ongoing situation includes multiple nationalities. It said two soldiers were killed, along with a Moroccan civilian contractor associated with the armed forces. Civilian deaths have reached 10, involving individuals from countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, Egypt, and others.
In addition, the UAE reported 230 injured persons of diverse nationalities, including Emirati citizens and expatriates from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, among them Indian nationals.
The ministry reiterated that UAE forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any further threats, stressing that national defence systems will continue to safeguard sovereignty, stability, and critical infrastructure.
Earlier in the week, UAE defence systems intercepted additional incoming threats, including ballistic missiles and UAVs, some of which resulted in moderate injuries.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned what it termed “unprovoked Iranian aggression” involving missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. It also confirmed that three Indian nationals were among those injured in recent attacks.
Authorities described the strikes as a serious threat to national security and stability, calling them an “unacceptable act of aggression” and holding Iran fully responsible for the escalation and its consequences.
The UAE further stated that it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law, while urging an immediate halt to hostilities and full compliance with de-escalation measures to ensure regional stability and the safety of residents and visitors.