UPDATE - UAE says air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles, drones over country

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By Tarek Chouiref and Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - The United Arab Emirates said Saturday that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones launched toward the country, with debris falling in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but no injuries were reported.

In a statement posted on the US social media company X, the UAE Defense Ministry said the operation was carried out “with high efficiency” and resulted in limited material damage.

The ministry confirmed that missiles were intercepted by the UAE air defense system and that debris fell in several areas across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

It described the targeting as a “blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law,” and affirmed the UAE’s full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, sovereignty, security and stability.

The ministry stressed that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority and said all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security.

It also urged the public to obtain information from official sources and avoid spreading rumors or unverified information.

Explosions were heard in Dubai as shrapnel from a missile intercepted in the air fell over parts of the city, media reported Saturday, amid the ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran.

Footage circulated on social media showed debris descending over areas of Dubai following the interception.

On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, claiming it was meant to remove “threats” posed by the Iranian “regime.” In response, Iran targeted Israel and the US bases in the region with missiles and drones.