UAE condemns Iranian missile, drone attacks
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The UAE on Monday strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks on the country, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and stating it reserved its right to respond.
UAE air defences detected four cruise missiles launched by Iran, marking the first attacks on the country in weeks. The Ministry of Defence said three missiles were intercepted “over the country’s territorial waters, while the fourth fell into the sea”.
Three people were injured in a fire at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after a drone attack from Iran. The Fujairah Media Office said all were Indian citizens and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as an “unacceptable transgression” and said they violated international law and the UN Charter. It said the UAE would not compromise on protecting its security, sovereignty and people under any circumstances and reserved its full and legitimate right to respond.
The UAE said it held Iran fully responsible for what it called treacherous attacks and stressed the need for an immediate halt to hostilities.
Authorities issued missile alerts across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi on Monday, urging residents to seek shelter. The Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the country was responding to missile threats in messages sent from 5pm onwards.
“Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates", Ncema said.
Residents reported hearing loud blasts in Dubai and Sharjah during the evening. Authorities said the sounds were due to successful interceptions.
This was the first time such alerts had been issued since the early hours of a conditional ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran on April 8.
The UAE had faced a daily barrage of missile and drone strikes from Iran after the outbreak of the war on February 28.
The renewed attacks came after a US operation began to allow commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf by the Iran war to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under American military protection.