Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait announced on Monday that their air defense systems intercepted a wave of Iranian missiles and drones. This escalation comes as the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran enters its 24th day.
اضافة اعلان
While Tehran justifies these attacks—ongoing since late February—as targeting "U.S. interests" in retaliation for the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and hundreds of others, Gulf capitals confirm that the strikes have caused casualties and damaged civilian infrastructure, including airports and ports.
Saudi Arabia: Ballistic Interception
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported the successful interception and destruction of:
4 Drones in the airspace of the Eastern Province.
1 Ballistic Missile targeted at the capital, Riyadh.
A second missile fell in an "unpopulated area" with no reported damage.
UAE: Extensive Aerial Engagement
The UAE Ministry of Defense revealed that its air defenses engaged a large-scale attack on Monday involving:
7 Ballistic Missiles and 16 Drones originating from Iran.
Casualties: One Indian resident sustained minor injuries due to shrapnel in the Al-Shawamekh area following an interception.
Cumulative Toll since February 28 (UAE):
The Ministry provided a comprehensive statistical breakdown of the attacks handled to date:
Total Engagements: 352 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,789 drones.
Military Casualties: 2 personnel martyred in the line of duty.
Civilian Casualties: 6 deaths (Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationals).
Injuries: 161 individuals with varying degrees of injuries.
Kuwait and Bahrain: Defensive Response
Kuwait: The Army announced the interception of a ballistic missile and several drones, reporting no human casualties or material damage.
Bahrain: The Bahrain Defense Force confirmed its systems have intercepted 147 missiles and 282 drones since the beginning of the Iranian waves of aggression.
Context of the Conflict
Since February 28, Israel and the United States have been engaged in a war against Iran that has claimed the lives of hundreds, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top security officials. Tehran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and what it claims are U.S. interests in Arab countries, resulting in widespread international condemnation due to civilian impacts.
