Iranian Attacks in UAE Leave Nigerians Among the Injured

The United Arab Emirates has reported that Nigerians are among 141 individuals who suffered injuries from Iranian missile strikes on the nation over the last two weeks.

On Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement on X, mentioning that numerous foreign citizens, including Nigerians, sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate severity during the attacks. Tragically, six fatalities were also recorded due to these strikes.

While the ministry refrained from specifying the exact number of Nigerians affected, it confirmed that they were included in the group of 141 foreign nationals injured.

These events impacted residents and workers from multiple countries.

In addition to Nigeria, individuals from nations such as Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, and Afghanistan were also affected by the strikes.

Furthermore, the ministry identified victims from Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, and Sweden.

According to the ministry, the recent attacks resulted in the deaths of individuals from the UAE, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

The ongoing conflict has seen the UAE and other Gulf nations being drawn into the fighting following Iran’s retaliatory actions against U.S. military installations across the Gulf region.

The ongoing war has already claimed the lives of at least 13 U.S. soldiers. In addition to attacks on U.S. interests in the Gulf, Iran has targeted Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and numerous injuries.

In Iran, over 1,400 individuals are reported to have lost their lives, and thousands more have been hurt.

Three weeks into this escalating conflict, the Gulf countries find themselves caught in the ongoing hostilities, as targeted attacks intensify, leading to increasing casualties.

Reports indicate that strikes have affected various infrastructure, including ports, hotels, oil facilities, and residential buildings across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The UAE Ministry revealed that its air defenses have intercepted a total of 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1600 drones launched from Iran thus far. On March 14, UAE air defense systems engaged 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones launched by Iran.

Describing the Iranian attacks as "blatant aggression," the ministry asserted that the UAE remains prepared to counter any threats while ensuring the nation’s security, stability, and national interests.