On 3/3, General Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense, presented to reporters fragments of Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that the nation's air defense systems had intercepted. This display underscored the UAE's assertion of having thwarted a large number of incoming weapons.

Among the exhibited weapons was a Qiam-1 short-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying a 750 kg warhead and striking targets up to 800 km away. General Al Humaidi also showcased a damaged Shahed 136 UAV, noting that UAE air defense had destroyed numerous aircraft of this type.

Fragments of Iranian weapons displayed in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 3/3. *Photo: AFP*

He affirmed that the UAE "reserves the right to take all measures" against any attacks and acts of aggression from hostile forces.

The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that since the conflict between the United States – Israel and Iran escalated last weekend, a total of 186 ballistic missiles were launched towards UAE territory. Of these, 172 were neutralized, 13 fell into the sea, and one landed within UAE borders.

The country faced attacks from 812 Iranian UAVs; 755 were intercepted, and 57 crashed within the UAE. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. These attacks resulted in three fatalities – citizens of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh – and 68 individuals sustained minor injuries.

Iranian UAVs and missiles intercepted by the UAE military in a video posted on 3/3. *Video: UAE Ministry of Defense*

On the morning of 28/2, US and Israeli forces initiated an offensive against Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, along with several high-ranking officials and generals.

These US-Israeli strikes led to the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. In response, Iran launched retaliatory operations targeting Israeli territory and various bases hosting US forces across the Middle East, including the UAE.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on 3/3 that Rafale fighter jets, deployed by France at the Al-Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, had been dispatched to protect French military installations in the host nation.

He also disclosed that a hangar at France's base in the UAE was struck by a UAV on 1/3. Currently, hundreds of French naval, air, and ground personnel are stationed in the UAE.

Pham Giang (Based on reports from CNN, AP)