UAE air defences intercept Iranian missiles, drones

The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that its air defence systems were again intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran, marking the second consecutive day of such activity amid a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.

In a statement posted on X, the UAE Ministry of Defence said, “UAE air defence systems are actively engaging with missiles and UAV threats,” adding that the projectiles “come from Iran”.

The escalation followed a drone attack on Monday that struck an energy installation in Fujairah, where a fire broke out, and three people were injured.

The facility is located near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway linking the Gulf to global shipping routes and a focal point of regional tensions between the United States and Iran.

Fujairah serves as the UAE’s primary oil export terminal outside the Strait of Hormuz, allowing exports to bypass the narrow passage. The attack has heightened concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure in the region.

The oil-rich UAE, a close ally of the United States and located near Iran, has faced repeated attacks during the conflict. According to officials, the country has been targeted by more than 2,800 missiles and drones over the course of the war.

Gift Habib is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience reporting on foreign affairs, elections, security, and related issues. She specializes in covering complex political and security developments, providing context and clarity for readers. Her work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate, insightful, and trustworthy journalism.

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