Marseille: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense forces intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on Friday. This development marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE Defense Ministry reported that these interceptions bring the total number of ballistic missiles intercepted since the start of the attacks to 338, while the total number of drones intercepted has reached 1,740. Additionally, UAE forces have intercepted 15 cruise missiles. The ministry also confirmed that the attacks resulted in the deaths of two on-duty armed personnel.

Civilian casualties have also been reported, with six civilians from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Palestine killed. Furthermore, 158 individuals, including citizens of the UAE, Egypt, and Trkiye, sustained injuries. The UAE Defense Ministry affirmed the nation's readiness to respond decisively to any threats, emphasizing the protection of its sovereignty, stability, and national interests.

Hostilities in the region have intensified following joint attacks by Israel and the US on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These retaliatory strikes have caused casualties, damage to infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation.