The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said its air defense systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats launched from Iran on March 16, 2026, as regional tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, the country’s air defenses dealt with six ballistic missiles and 21 drones that were targeting the nation. Authorities confirmed that all incoming threats were intercepted as part of ongoing defensive operations to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty.

The latest incident is part of a broader wave of attacks that have targeted the UAE since the conflict began. The Ministry of Defense stated that UAE air defense systems have intercepted a total of 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks.

Officials said the attacks have resulted in casualties among both military personnel and civilians. Two members of the UAE armed forces were killed while performing their national duty, while five civilians from different nationalities — including Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian — were also killed in the attacks.

In addition, 145 people have been injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Those injured include individuals from a wide range of nationalities, including 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 nationals.

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