Authorities reported that the shrapnel resulted from the interception of a ballistic missile by local air defenses.
Abu Dhabi authorities confirmed that one Pakistani national was killed on Tuesday, March 17, after being struck by falling shrapnel in the Bani Yas area of the capital.
“Authorities stated that the falling shrapnel resulted from the interception of a ballistic missile by local air defenses. They urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information and to refrain from spreading rumors or unverified reports.”
On March 16, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the emirate’s Al Bahia area, killing one person of Palestinian nationality. Later that night, a drone strike caused a fire at Shah Field, with no injuries reported.
These incidents come amid Iranian attacks on the UAE, which officials have described as “blatant and treacherous.” UAE air defenses are operating around the clock to intercept drones and missiles, and authorities have affirmed that the country maintains “full readiness” to confront the threats.
Since the start of these attacks on February 28, UAE air defenses have intercepted 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones, resulting in seven deaths and 145 injuries.
In an earlier statement, the UAE Ministry of Defense emphasized that the country possesses “diverse, integrated, and multi-layered air defense systems, capable of countering a full spectrum of aerial threats with high efficiency.” These include long-, medium-, and short-range systems providing “comprehensive protection of the nation’s airspace,” supported by a “robust strategic stockpile of munitions to ensure sustained interception and response capabilities over extended periods.”
While the UAE calls for de-escalation and dialogue, authorities stress that the country reserves the right to respond, as Iranian attacks violate state sovereignty and international norms.
On March 7, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed residents, assuring them that authorities would defend the nation and its people:
“Pardon us if we did not meet expectations, but we are in a time of war. I promise you that we will fulfil our responsibility to defend you, our people and our families.”
