Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Defence said on Monday that the country’s air defence systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones during attacks launched by Iran.

Of these, 161 were intercepted and destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. It added that 689 Iranian drones had also been tracked, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within the UAE.

The ministry said eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed, noting that some caused limited collateral damage. The attacks resulted in three deaths and 68 minor injuries.

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It said the sounds heard in different parts of the country were the result of interceptions carried out by air defence systems against ballistic missiles, as well as by fighter aircraft targeting drones and cruise missiles. These operations, it said, led to minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian sites.

It said the UAE reserves the full right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, safeguard its security and stability, and defend its national interests.