DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 18) accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at transport within the Gulf, marking the primary time in months the defence ministry warned of a missile risk to its territory.
“UAE air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards the nation, with the primary falling exterior the nation’s territorial waters, whereas the second fell throughout the territorial waters,” the ministry stated, in a press release posted to social media.
A second assertion launched later stated: “Assessments carried out confirmed that the 2 ballistic missiles detected coming from Iran had been focusing on maritime navigation and fell into the ocean.”
Iran didn’t instantly touch upon the report however it has warned that the Strait of Hormuz – by way of which transport leaving UAE ports should move to exit the Gulf – will remain closed until it reaches a peace agreement with the USA.
The primary assertion got here practically two hours after a quick cellphone alert warned UAE residents of a “potential missile risk”.
“Because of the present scenario, potential missile threats, instantly search a protected place within the closest safe constructing,” the inside ministry stated within the cellphone alert, which was lifted shortly afterwards.
It was the primary such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an assault that finally didn’t enter UAE territory. Earlier than that, the final missile warning got here in early Might.
Tankers belonging to state-owned oil firm ADNOC have been repeatedly focused prior to now few weeks.
When the Center East warfare started on Feb 28, the UAE bore the brunt of Iran’s assaults, with practically 3,000 missiles and drones directed on the nation – greater than wherever else within the area.
After a memorandum of understanding got here into impact in June between the 2 events, which has since collapsed, the UAE reported no assaults, in contrast to different Gulf states.
