UAE air defenses repel fresh Iranian missile and drone barrage

International, Middle East

MIDDLE EAST, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The United Arab Emirates’ Air Defense systems successfully engaged a new wave of hostile projectiles, intercepting 12 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 19 drones launched from Iran in the early hours of April 6.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the latest attack and emphasized that the country’s defense forces remain on high alert. Since the onset of these brazen Iranian strikes, UAE Air Defenses have confronted a staggering total of 519 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,210 drones, underscoring the scale and persistence of the threat.

The most recent assault resulted in four injuries, ranging from minor to severe. This brings the cumulative number of casualties to 221 individuals of diverse nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, Swedish, Tunisian, Moroccan, and Russian.

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No fatalities were recorded in the latest incident. Overall, the attacks have claimed the lives of two martyrs, including a Moroccan civilian contractor with the armed forces, while 10 civilian deaths have been documented among Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Indian, and Egyptian nationals.

The Ministry of Defense reiterated its unwavering readiness to confront any threat, stressing that the UAE will firmly counter attempts to undermine its sovereignty. Officials highlighted that the armed forces remain committed to safeguarding national security, protecting citizens and residents, and ensuring the stability of the state and its vital interests.