ISTANBUL

Air defense systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted more incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, the UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The ministry said Emirati air defenses were responding to missile and drone threats targeting the country.

The sounds heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles and drones, it added.

The ministry said in an earlier statement that its air forces engaged a new wave of Iranian attacks, including 27 drones and seven ballistic missiles, bringing the total to 1,567 Iranian drones and 285 ballistic missiles since Iran started its attacks. The air forces also intercepted 15 Iranian cruise missiles.

Since Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing some 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.