UAE Air Defenses Detect Incoming Missile Threat from Iran

ABU DHABI, Aug 18: Air-defense systems in the United Arab Emirates detected an incoming missile on Tuesday, with the country’s Ministry of Defense saying the threat was being dealt with.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry said that any sounds heard in the country were the result of air-defense systems intercepting the incoming threat.

The ministry also stressed its “full readiness to respond to any threat” and to safeguard the UAE’s sovereignty, security and stability.

As of publication, the ministry had not disclosed the origin of the reported missile or provided further details about the interception.

As per the latest information, the United Arab Emirates' air defenses detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, the Ministry of Defense announced, with the first falling outside the country's territorial waters and the second landing within them.

The ministry did not report any casualties or damage resulting from the launches.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed it remains on high alert and is fully prepared to deal with any threats, vowing to "firmly confront anything aimed at undermining the security of the state," thereby ensuring the preservation of the country's sovereignty, security, and stability, while protecting its interests and national capabilities.

The ministry also urged the public to obtain all news from official sources within the country and to avoid spreading rumors and false information.

The incident marks a significant escalation amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and Gulf states. Further details about the launches, including the timing and the missiles' trajectories, were not immediately disclosed.