UAE repels Iranian missiles and drones as air defence systems engage targets
Providing context for the ongoing situation, the ministry explained that the loud noises heard in the area were the result of “air defense systems intercepting missiles and drones.”
In the midst of this aerial activity, a maritime incident was reported by the United Kingdom Merchant Marine Operations (UKMTO). A tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” approximately 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah.
The agency noted in a post on X that the ship was “at anchor” when the incident occurred. While the attack caused “minor structural damage” to the tanker, the ship’s integrity remained stable and “no injuries were reported” to the crew. Officials also stated that “no environmental impacts” were detected in the surrounding waters.
UKMTO confirmed that “authorities are investigating the matter”. Meanwhile, all ships operating in the region were advised to “pass with caution” and notify the authority in case of any “suspicious activity”.
This maritime incident coincides with reports of continued instability on land. According to Al Jazeera’s news, based on the media office of the local government, a fire broke out after a drone attack on the facility in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.
The incident took place at the energy field located approximately 150 km east of Dubai. Although the attack was targeted, authorities confirmed that there was “no loss of life” as a result of the attack. “Emergency teams” were dispatched to the region for immediate response to the epidemic. These units remain in the field and are currently “on incident” to control the situation in the critical regional centre.
Gulf News, which reports on land operations, noted that “Civil Defense teams in the emirate immediately began to intervene in the incident” as soon as the alarm was raised. Expert “teams continue to work to control the fire and prevent the flames from spreading further into the facility.”
While the government of Fujairah continues to monitor the developments, local authorities appealed to the public not to spread rumors about the incident on social media platforms. To ensure accurate facts are disseminated, the government has issued a stern recommendation that the public obtain information only from “official sources”.
