United Arab Emirates' anti-aircraft systems thwart incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from Iran

Tuesday saw the United Arab Emirates once again scrambling to intercept missiles and drones originating from Iran, marking a second consecutive day of such incidents amidst the delicate ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.

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The UAE Ministry of Defence took to X to issue a statement, declaring that the country's air defence systems were actively countering missiles and UAV threats, which it asserted were coming from Iran.

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A drone attack on Monday had struck an energy facility in Fujairah, resulting in a fire and injuring three individuals, and this latest escalation has followed in its wake.

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The targeted facility is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that connects the Gulf to global shipping routes and has long been a focal point of regional tensions between the United States and Iran.

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Fujairah holds significant importance as the UAE's primary oil export terminal outside the Strait of Hormuz, enabling the country to bypass the narrow passage and maintain its export capabilities.

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The recent attack has served to heighten concerns regarding the security of critical energy infrastructure in the region, particularly in the oil-rich UAE.

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As a close ally of the United States and a neighbour of Iran, the UAE has faced numerous attacks throughout the conflict, with officials reporting that the country has been targeted by over 2,800 missiles and drones during the war.