ISTANBUL

Two people were killed and three others injured when debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, authorities said Thursday.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement that the incident occurred on Sweihan Road after air defense systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile.

The falling shrapnel killed two unidentified individuals and injured three others, while also damaging several vehicles, the statement added.

The entire region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.