ISTANBUL

United Arab Emirates forces are “actively engaging” incoming missile and drone attacks, the UAE Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

“The sounds heard across the country are the result of ongoing engaging operations of missiles and UAVs,” the ministry said in a post on US social media company X at 0724 GMT.

Tensions in the region have escalated since Israel and the United States launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in more than 1,340 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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