Abu Dhabi, March 8 (Petra) -- The United Arab Emirates declared that it is in a state of defense in response to the "aggressive and unjustified" Iranian attack, which included the launch of more than 1,660 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and civilian sites, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, in what it described as a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter and a breach of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the UAE, as well as a direct threat to its security and stability.

The UAE stressed, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and published by the Emirates News Agency on Sunday, that it does not seek to be drawn into any conflicts or escalation. However, it affirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity and to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents, based on its right to self-defense in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that air defenses detected 17 ballistic missiles on Sunday, of which 16 were destroyed, while one ballistic missile fell into the sea. It also detected 117 drones, 113 of which were intercepted, while four drones fell inside UAE territory.

According to the Emirates News Agency, 238 ballistic missiles have been detected since the start of the "flagrant Iranian attack," with 221 ballistic missiles destroyed, 15 falling into the sea waters, and two landing inside UAE territory. In addition, 1,422 Iranian drones were detected, of which 1,342 were intercepted, while 80 drones fell inside the country. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

The attacks resulted in four deaths among Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and 112 injuries among UAE, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, and other nationals.

//Petra// AF

08/03/2026 22:58:42