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UAE intercepts over 300 ballistic missiles, 1,600 drones since start of Iran conflict

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Pieces of missiles and drones recovered after Iran's strikes are displayed during a press briefing by the UAE government held in Abu Dhabi on March 3. Ryan Lim/AFP/Getty Images
Pieces of missiles and drones recovered after Iran's strikes are displayed during a press briefing by the UAE government held in Abu Dhabi on March 3.Ryan Lim/AFP/Getty Images

ABU DHABI, March 17, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The United Arab Emirates has intercepted more than 300 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and over 1,600 drones since the start of the Iran conflict, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.


Two members of the armed forces were killed, along with six civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities, according to official figures.


A total of 157 people of various nationalities were injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe.


Air defences engaged 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones on Tuesday alone.


Iran’s Revolutionary Guards indicated that a significant share of operations had targeted Arab countries in the region, with repeated strikes directed toward the UAE.

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