UAE air defences intercept fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks

WEB DESK: The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence confirmed on Thursday morning that its air defence systems are currently engaged in intercepting a “new wave” of ballistic missiles and loitering munitions launched from Iran.

According to Anadolu Agency, the escalation follows a series of heavy exchanges across the Gulf, marks a significant deterioration in regional security, and has led to the immediate suspension of operations at several key energy sites.

Military officials in Abu Dhabi stated that the interceptions began in the early hours of 19 March, following a similar barrage on Wednesday during which 13 missiles and 27 drones were successfully neutralised.

While the majority of the incoming threats were intercepted over unpopulated areas, debris has reportedly caused localized fires and prompted the closure of the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field as a precautionary measure.

Regional energy infrastructure under fire

The latest strikes appear to be part of a co-ordinated Iranian campaign targeting energy hubs across the Arabian Peninsula. Reports from Qatar and Saudi Arabia suggest that critical facilities, including the Ras Laffan gas complex, have also faced aerial threats within the last 24 hours.

This follows an explicit warning from Tehran that it would retaliate against Gulf energy infrastructure in response to recent strikes on its own domestic gas fields.

Beyond the mainland, the maritime sector remains on high alert after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a vessel caught fire off the coast of Khor Fakkan this morning after being struck by a projectile.

In response to the heightened risk, several international carriers, including British Airways, have suspended flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while schools in the UAE and Kuwait have transitioned to remote learning to ensure public safety.