ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted six ballistic missiles and nine drones launched from Iran on Friday, according to a statement by the Defense Ministry.

It added that since the start of Iranian attacks, air defenses have intercepted 378 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,835 drones.

The ministry said the attacks have killed two on-duty armed forces personnel, as well as a civilian contractor working with the military. It also reported the deaths of eight civilians of various nationalities.

It added that 171 people were injured, with wounds ranging from minor to severe, including Emirati and foreign nationals.

The ministry said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and will act decisively to safeguard the country’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

Regional escalation has continued to flare 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.