UAE's Defense Forces Foil Iranian Attacks and Dismantle Hezbollah Network
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Dubai, March 21 (NationPress) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones originating from Iran. Additionally, the UAE's security apparatus dismantled a network associated with Hezbollah and Iran.
The Ministry of Defence disclosed that since February 28, it has countered a total of 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones aimed at the UAE, following joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on Friday, the UAE's State Security Department announced the disbanding of a network that was “funded and directed” by Hezbollah and Iran, resulting in the arrest of several members.
Authorities claimed that the group operated under a fictitious commercial facade, intending to infiltrate the UAE's economy and pursue external agendas that jeopardized financial stability.
Hezbollah has dismissed the allegations from the UAE, labeling them as “fabricated” and groundless.
In a related statement, Egypt condemned the “terrorist schemes” aimed at destabilizing Gulf states, specifically mentioning recent threats targeting Kuwait and the UAE.
Moreover, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where they discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region and its implications for both regional and global security. They emphasized the necessity to de-escalate tensions and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to avert further crises, according to the Emirates News Agency.
On February 28, Israel and the United States initiated joint attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. assets in the Middle East.