ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said Wednesday that loud sounds heard in Dubai were caused by aerial interception operations amid escalating regional tensions.

The Dubai Media Office said in a statement that the sounds were caused by “successful aerial interceptions.”

No information was given about casualties or damage.

Regional escalation has flared since Feb. 28 when Israel and the US launched a joint attack against Iran, killing more than 1,200 people and injuring another 10,000, according to Iranian authorities.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.