Abu Dhabi, March 02 (QNA) - The UAE Ministry of Defense has announced that the country's air defenses successfully intercepted nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 148 drones.

A ministry statement on Monday said that a total of 174 ballistic missiles were detected targeting the UAE since the start of the Iranian attack. Of these, 161 were destroyed, and 13 fell into the sea.

The statement added that 689 Iranian drones were tracked, 645 of which were intercepted, while 44 drones landed within UAE territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed, causing some collateral damage, resulting in three fatalities and 68 minor injuries.

The ministry strongly condemned the attacks, calling them blatant aggression and a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law. It reaffirmed the UAE's right to respond to this escalation.

The statement emphasized that the UAE armed forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to confront any threats, taking all necessary measures to firmly protect the country's security and stability. (QNA)