MIDDLE EAST — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates military on Monday intercepted another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. According to a statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran were successfully intercepted.
The ministry noted that “since the start of Iran’s brazen attacks, UAE air defences have dealt with 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones.”
The UAE confirmed that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of its armed forces and five civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. Additionally, 145 others were injured, including individuals from Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationalities.
The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to confront any threats, vowing to firmly respond to actions aimed at destabilising the country’s security. It emphasised its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, stability, and national interests.
