Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), injuring over 100 individuals, including at least one Nigerian.
Since the battle started on February 28, the Gulf nation’s authorities reported that their air defense systems had been actively reacting to Iranian retaliatory missile launches.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense revealed in a statement on Tuesday that since the beginning of hostilities, its air defense forces have detected 262 ballistic missiles fired from Iran.
The ministry claims that most of the missiles were successfully intercepted by the nation’s defense systems.
Nineteen missiles fell safely in the water, while 241 missiles were intercepted before they could reach their targets, according to officials.
However, it is stated that two rockets fell into UAE territory, causing injuries and fatalities.
Six individuals were reported deceased and over 120 injured in the attacks, according to the authorities.
Six Emirati, Pakistani, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, and Palestinian nationalities were killed as a result of these attacks, according to the ministry.
The precise number of casualties from each country was not disclosed by officials.
The missile strikes coincide with the UAE’s ongoing defense against Iranian drone and missile attacks.
The strikes were allegedly carried out by Iran in retaliation for claims that the UAE permitted the US to conduct military activities from US facilities inside its borders.
Tensions in the area have increased as a result of the attacks, prompting worries about the security of locals and visitors.
The UAE’s defense minister announced on Wednesday that more Iranian missiles and drones were being intercepted by its forces.
Residents were reassured by the authorities that the nation was still ready to face any challenges.
Additionally, officials emphasized that security services were taking the required steps to safeguard the nation’s interests and guarantee the security of UAE residents.
Nigerians who are stuck in a number of Gulf nations have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to make evacuation plans in case the security situation worsens.
In the event that the situation worsens, some Nigerians residing in the area have encouraged the government to think about setting up repatriation planes.
How many Nigerians are presently stranded in Iran or other Middle Eastern nations impacted by the continuing war is yet unknown.
Nigerian people continue to frequent nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for travel, work, and transit, raising concerns about their safety in the area.
