DUBAI: Air defences in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates intercepted missiles and drones on Monday as the conflict involving Iran continued to ripple across the Gulf, with authorities in both countries reporting explosions and aerial interceptions.
The UAE said two members of the armed forces were killed following the crash of a helicopter due to a technical malfunction while they performed their duties in the country on Monday.
The Ministry of Defense extended “its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families.”
Qatar’s Mnistry of Defence reported that the armed forces intercepted a missile attack.
Reuters witnesses and AFP journalists also reported hearing loud explosions across Doha.
UAE air defenses said 15 ballistic missiles were detected, of which 12 were destroyed, while 3 missiles fell into the sea.
A total of 18 drones were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while 1 fell within the country’s territory.
Since the start of the war, the UAE said it intercepted 233 of 253 ballistic missiles, 1,359 of 1,440 drones, and destroyed 8 cruise missiles.
These attacks resulted in 4 deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 117 people sustained minor injuries.
