UAE intercepts second wave of Iranian missiles over Abu Dhabi; no new casualties reported
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday successfully intercepted a second wave of Iranian ballistic missiles, reporting that debris from the neutralised projectiles scattered across various residential sectors of the capital without causing further casualties.
The Ministry of Defence announced the successful deployment of its air defence systems following a renewed "brazen attack" by Tehran. While the initial wave of strikes earlier in the day resulted in the death of one Asian national due to falling shrapnel, the ministry confirmed that no injuries occurred during this subsequent engagement.
"The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defences successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles," the government stated in an official communique.
Debris Scattered Across the Capital
Despite the high interception rate, fragments of the destroyed missiles fell across several high-profile districts and residential neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi, including:
- Saadiyat Island
- Khalifa City
- Bani Yas
- Mohamed bin Zayed City
- Al Falah
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that while material damage was reported in some areas, the "security situation in the country remains stable." Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of fallen debris and to avoid photographing suspicious objects to ensure public safety and operational security.
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A "Dangerous Escalation"
The UAE government has condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure in the strongest possible terms, characterising the Iranian strikes as a "cowardly act" and a "blatant violation of national sovereignty." Officials emphasised that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains an uncompromised priority.
The missile volleys follow the commencement of "Operation Roaring Lion," a joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iranian military assets. In response to the regional volatility, the UAE, along with several neighbouring Gulf states, has temporarily shuttered its airspace, leading to widespread disruptions at major international transit hubs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its "full readiness" to counter any further threats and maintained that it reserves the right to respond to the escalation to protect its territory and stability.
With inputs from AFP