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UAE air defence engages 5 missiles, 17 drones in new wave of Iranian attacks
Despite diplomatic signals from Washington, there were no signs of conflict abating in the Gulf or Lebanon
- PUBLISHED: Tue 24 Mar 2026, 4:00 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
The UAE air defence systems on March 24 engaged 5 ballistic missiles and 17 drones (UAVs) launched from Iran. Since the start of the ongoing attacks, UAE forces have engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,806 drones.
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The attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two armed forces personnel, the deaths of six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities.
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A total of 161 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.
Despite diplomatic signals from Washington, there were no signs of conflict abating in the Gulf or Lebanon. A Pakistani official has said direct talks may be held in Islamabad this week.
The Ministry of Defence said the UAE remains on high alert and fully prepared to counter all threats, reaffirming its commitment to protecting national security, sovereignty, and stability.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 after saying they had failed to make enough headway in talks aimed at ending Iran's nuclear program, even though mediator Oman said significant progress had been made.
Since then, Iran has attacked countries that host US bases, struck key Gulf energy infrastructure and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, conduit for a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.
Israel is also carrying out a separate operation against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants who have attacked it from Lebanon in support of Iran.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.