[55211] Wave of drone attacks: UAE and Kuwait report interceptions facing Iran
[55211] Wave of drone attacks: UAE and Kuwait report interceptions facing Iran
The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported on Sunday the interception of drones that penetrated their airspace, with officials in the Emirates attributing the attacks to Iran.
Wave of drone attacks in the Gulf: Tensions with Iran escalate
On Sunday, May 10, 2026, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported the infiltration of drones into their airspace. According to reports from Iran International, the UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that it intercepted two drones launched from Iranian territory. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the events and termed the attacks in Kuwait as "terrorist" acts that violate the country's sovereignty.
The UAE Ministry of Defense released cumulative data indicating the scope of the ongoing threat since the start of the conflict: according to them, since the beginning of the war on February 28, 2026, the air defense system has intercepted 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,265 drones. These data were published in parallel with reports of a massive fire that broke out on a ship off the coast of Dubai.
Conversely, media outlets identified with the Iranian regime, such as the IRNA news agency and IRGC News, presented the events merely as claims by Gulf states, while emphasizing the refutation of Tehran's direct involvement. However, DW Persian noted that despite Iran's denials, Tehran had previously warned of a "crushing response" to any action by the UAE.
Reports from the region indicate a sense of high alert. The Kuwaiti military announced that it identified and thwarted the entry of drones into its airspace, without providing further details on the identity of the vehicles or potential damage. Simultaneously, following the security situation, it was reported that the UAE returned to in-person learning in schools after a period of remote learning.