UAE, Bahrain And Qatar Report Missile Attacks, UAE Partially Shuts Airspace
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 (Bernama-Agencies) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed it was hit by a ballistic missile attack on Saturday, while Bahrain reported strikes on locations within its borders, as both countries activated emergency response measures amid heightened regional tensions.
In a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE Defence Ministry (MoD) said the country was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles. It added that the UAE air defence systems intercepted a number of the missiles with high efficiency.
The authorities also managed the impact of missile debris in a residential area, which had caused property damage.
The ministry confirmed that one civilian of Asian nationality was killed as a result of the falling debris.
It said the security situation in the UAE remains stable, with all relevant agencies monitoring developments around the clock.
The ministry strongly condemned the attack, affirming the UAE’s categorical rejection of any targeting of civilian objects, facilities and national institutions. It stressed that such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability.
The ministry further stated that the targeting represents “a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law,” stating that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.”
It also affirmed its full readiness to deal with any threats, stressing that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability, and that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority that cannot be compromised. The ministry urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports.
Separately, the Emirati Interior Ministry said it is closely monitoring regional developments and remains on high alert, coordinating with relevant authorities to implement precautionary measures as needed.
The ministry stressed that the security and safety of citizens, residents and visitors remain its top priority, underscoring its commitment to maintaining public safety and stability, and confirmed it will keep the public informed of any developments and required measures in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced a temporary and partial closure of the UAE’s airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews amid the rapidly escalating security developments in the region.
The authority said the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks and in coordination with relevant national and international authorities, stressing that airspace safety and the protection of the UAE’s air sovereignty remain absolute priorities.
The GCAA said it will continue to keep authorities and the public informed of any developments and advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules, noting that airlines, in coordination with local authorities, will provide necessary accommodation and assistance to affected passengers.
In Manama, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported the National Communication Centre announced a missile attack on a service centre with the US Fifth Fleet.
The public was urged to follow instructions issued by the relevant official authorities and to obtain information from official sources only, according to BNA.
In Doha, the Qatari Defence Ministry confirmed that it had successfully intercepted a second wave of attacks targeting several areas across the country.
In a press statement carried by the Qatar News Agency, the ministry confirmed that the threats were addressed immediately upon detection, following the pre-established security plan, and that all missiles were intercepted before reaching the state's territory.
The ministry stressed that the Qatari Armed Forces are fully capable of safeguarding national security and responding firmly to any external threat, adding that the security situation remains stable and under control.
It assured citizens, residents, and visitors, urging everyone to remain calm, follow instructions issued by security authorities, avoid rumours, and to rely solely on official statements and information.
-- BERNAMA-AGENCIES
