Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones launched from Iran on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE’s Defense Ministry detailed that since the onset of the ongoing Middle East conflict, a cumulative total of 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,872 drones had been intercepted by the nation’s defense systems. The recent attacks tragically resulted in the deaths of two armed forces members and a Moroccan civilian collaborating with the military, alongside eight other casualties of different nationalities.

The ministry reported that 178 individuals sustained injuries, which varied from minor to severe. The Defense Minister emphasized the country’s readiness to address any threats, pledging to confront any actions that compromise the UAE’s security and asserting the protection of its sovereignty, stability, and national interests.