ABU DHABI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems intercepted five ballistic missiles and 17 drones launched from Iran on Tuesday.
Since Feb. 28, the UAE has intercepted a total of 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,806 drones, according to the Ministry of Defense.
In recent days, UAE leaders have held discussions with officials from multiple countries and international organizations on regional developments, the state news agency WAM reported.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call Monday with Mark Rutte, secretary general of NATO, to discuss the ongoing regional military escalation and its impact on regional and international security, shipping and the global economy. They condemned Iranian attacks targeting civilians, infrastructure and critical facilities.
The UAE president also met French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin on Monday to discuss bilateral defense cooperation and regional security amid the escalation.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also held calls with counterparts from Spain, Vietnam, Mauritania and the Netherlands, underscoring the role of diplomacy in maintaining regional and international security, WAM reported. ■
