Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 26 drones and destroyed eight ballistic missiles amidst recent Iranian attacks targeting the nation.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the UAE outlined that air defenses detected a total of 35 drones, of which 26 were intercepted, while nine drones fell within the country. Additionally, the UAE detected nine ballistic missiles, intercepting eight, with one missile falling into the sea. The UAE's defense systems have been actively responding to the threats posed by ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the Iranian attacks, UAE authorities have detected 1,475 drones, successfully destroying 1,385, while 90 have landed inside UAE territory. In terms of cruise missiles, eight have been detected and all were destroyed by the UAE's defenses. When it comes to ballistic missiles, the country has detected 262, intercepting 241, with 19 falling into the sea and two landing inside the UAE.

The regional tension has intensified following a joint attack by Israel and the US on Iran on February 28, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and injuries to more than 10,000 individuals. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.