Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted 14 missiles and 19 drones from Iran on Monday, as escalation continues to rage across the region. The Defense Ministry stated that 12 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 19 drones were successfully shot down.

According to Anadolu Agency, the new attacks resulted in injuries to four people, with conditions ranging from minor to severe. This incident raises the total number of injured to 221 individuals of various nationalities since the Iranian attacks commenced on February 28, as reported by the ministry.

The UAE Defense Ministry highlighted that their air defense systems have intercepted a total of 519 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,210 drones since the onset of the Iranian attacks. The statement also noted the fatalities, which include two Emirati soldiers, a Moroccan civilian contractor, and 10 civilians of different nationalities.

The escalation in hostilities in the region began following a joint offensive by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, which has resulted in over 1,340 deaths, including that of the then-supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Furthermore, Iran has imposed restrictions on the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.