Iran-Israel conflict: Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi citizens killed in UAE as drone strikes hit country

UAE attack kills foreign nationals, injures dozens amid strikes

The UAE Ministry of Defence has said its air force and air defence systems have intercepted and responded to a large wave of Iranian projectiles since the assault began on February 28, 2026, including 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones.

According to the ministry, on the second morning of the attack alone, the armed forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight others fell into the sea. It added that two cruise missiles and 311 drones were also destroyed during that phase, although 21 drones struck civilian targets.

Since the start of hostilities, 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran were detected — 152 were destroyed and 13 landed in the sea. Two cruise missiles were intercepted, and 541 Iranian drones were tracked, with 506 shot down. Thirty-five drones reached the ground, causing material damage.

The incidents resulted in three fatalities, individuals of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationality. Authorities also reported 58 minor injuries among people of various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan citizens.

The ministry said falling debris from intercepted ballistic missiles and drones had caused minor to moderate damage to several civilian properties across different parts of the country.

It reaffirmed that the UAE armed forces remain fully prepared to tackle any threats, stressing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors is the highest priority.

The ministry also urged the public to rely solely on official sources for updates and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.