Ankara: The United Arab Emirates announced that air defense systems and fighter jets are actively intercepting missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. The Defense Ministry shared the operations on US social media company X, confirming ongoing defense measures.

According to Anadolu Agency, authorities stated that the sounds heard in different parts of the country are linked to interception activities. The Defense Ministry explained that these sounds result from air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets engaging cruise missiles and UAVs. However, specific details on the number of projectiles or the exact locations of the interceptions were not disclosed.

The ministry did not provide information regarding casualties or damage resulting from these incidents. Officials indicated that air defense operations were ongoing at the time of the announcement.

In the backdrop of these operations, the US and Israel have been conducting an air offensive on Iran for nearly a month, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These retaliatory strikes have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation.