DUBAI, Mar 1: The UAE Ministry of Defense said the country’s Air Force and Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed dozens of incoming projectiles on the second day of the Iranian attack, including 20 ballistic missiles — eight of which fell into the sea — two cruise missiles and 311 drones. An additional 21 drones were damaged. The ministry affirmed the armed forces’ capability to counter a wide range of threats.

Since the start of the attacks on Saturday, the ministry said 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the UAE were detected, with 152 intercepted and 13 falling into the sea. Two cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. Of the 541 Iranian drones identified, 506 were intercepted, while 35 crashed inside UAE territory, causing material damage and leaving three people — of Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationality — dead.

A total of 58 people sustained minor injuries, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals.

The ministry added that debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell in several areas, causing minor to moderate damage to civilian properties. It reiterated its full readiness to confront any threat and stressed that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority. The public was urged to rely on official UAE sources for information and to refrain from spreading rumors or unverified reports.