UAE says missile and drone strikes launched from Iran
Iran launched missiles and drones at the UAE on Monday in the first major attack on a Gulf state since it entered a ceasefire with the US last month, with Abu Dhabi warning it may retaliate.
"These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression, posing a direct threat to the state's security, stability, and the safety of its territories," the UAE's foreign ministry said in a statement.
It added that the UAE "reserves its full and legitimate right to respond to these attacks".
The Iranian attacks came after the US announced a plan to escort vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that its forces struck a US warship with two missiles as it attempted to cross the waterway.
Trump denied the claim on Monday, adding that only a South Korean vessel had been hit. He added that the US had shot seven "fast" attack boats, which Iran denied.
UAE attacks
The UAE's defence ministry said at least four cruise missiles were fired at the country from Iran. The UAE said its air defence systems responded to the attack, downing three missiles, while the fourth fell in the sea.
A drone strike caused a fire at an energy installation in Fujairah, a key port for the export of Emirati oil that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
"Fujairah Civil Defence teams immediately responded to the incident and are continuing their efforts to control it," the Fujairah media office said in a statement.
Three Indian nationals suffered "moderate injuries" as a result of the attack, the Emirati government said.
Meanwhile, Oman said that two people were injured when a residential building in Bukha was targeted in a strike.
Bukha is a town and the name of an Omani province, an exclave along the Gulf coast northwest of the emirate of Fujairah.
Tensions were rising in the Gulf on Monday after the US announced a plan to escort vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that its forces struck a US warship with two missiles as it attempted to cross the strait. US Central Command denied the report.
This article was sourced from Middle East Eye.
Read Full Article on Middle East Eye →