The United Arab Emirates has officially disclosed the names of several individuals, including three Pakistani nationals, who tragically lost their lives during a series of recent missile and drone assaults launched from Iran. These attacks have targeted the UAE, prompting continuous and robust defensive responses from the country’s military forces. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that on March 17 alone, UAE air defense systems successfully intercepted a barrage of 10 ballistic missiles and 45 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) originating from Iranian territory.
Since the escalation of hostilities began, the UAE’s defense apparatus has been actively engaged in neutralizing a significant number of threats. To date, the country’s air defense has intercepted 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and an overwhelming 1,672 UAVs aimed at its territory. This sustained wave of attacks has resulted in casualties, including both military personnel and foreign expatriates residing in the UAE.
Among the fatalities, two members of the UAE Armed Forces lost their lives while carrying out their national duties, highlighting the risks faced by those protecting the nation. Additionally, six expatriates from various countries were also killed during these attacks. The deceased expatriates have been identified as Murib Zaman Nizar, Muzaffar Ali Ghulam, and Ismail Salim Khan from Pakistan; Alaa Nader Awni from Palestine; Ahmed Ali from Bangladesh; and Dibas Shrestha from Nepal. These losses underscore the diverse and multinational fabric of the UAE’s population, which has been directly impacted by the ongoing conflict.
In a separate but related incident, the Ministry of Defence held a solemn military funeral on March 10 at the Zayed Military Hospital to honor two UAE Armed Forces officers who died in a helicopter crash. The crash was attributed to a technical malfunction while the officers were performing their duties. The fallen servicemen were Captain Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi and First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji. The ceremony was attended by senior military commanders, officers, and the families of the martyrs, reflecting the nation’s respect and gratitude for their sacrifice. The Ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying for mercy on the departed souls and strength for their loved ones.
The attacks have also resulted in a significant number of injuries, with 157 people reported wounded. The severity of injuries ranges from minor to critical, and the affected individuals come from a wide array of nationalities. Those injured include citizens and residents from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden, and Tunisia. Medical teams continue to provide urgent care and treatment to those affected, working tirelessly to manage the humanitarian impact of the attacks.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, publicly expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He also extended his sympathies to the governments and peoples of Palestine, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, acknowledging the loss of their nationals in these tragic events. Furthermore, he wished a speedy and full recovery to all those injured, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to supporting all communities affected by the violence. The ongoing defensive measures and humanitarian efforts illustrate the UAE’s resolve to protect its people and maintain stability amid a challenging regional security environment.
