Rocket fragments from Iranian attacks killed a woman in Abu Dhabi while 40 died in Iran’s Minab.
Explosions Heard Before Abu Dhabi Tragedy
Recordings and witness accounts confirm that residents heard a series of loud explosions before the tragedy. One woman reported five consecutive explosions so powerful that the windows in her home vibrated. These sounds were also heard in areas adjacent to the Al-Zafra and Al-Batin air bases, located about 10 kilometers south of downtown Abu Dhabi.
UAE Condemns Attack as Sovereignty Violation
The United Arab Emirates described the incident as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, noting that their defense systems effectively intercepted most missiles but failed to prevent civilian deaths. Authorities also pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and residents on their territory.
Iran Launches Wide-Retaliatory Attacks
The events in Abu Dhabi occurred as part of Iran’s broad retaliatory attack, which directed ballistic missiles at several Persian Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, including those hosting US military bases. Iranian missiles targeted military strategic points in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the Al Dhafra base in the UAE, which plays a crucial role in US Air Force operations in the region.
Defense Systems Intercept Missiles Across Region
In most countries, air defense managed to intercept many of the launched missiles. In Qatar and Kuwait, military services confirmed the shooting down or interception of missiles before they reached their targets, and similar actions were taken over UAE airspace. However, missile fragments from these maneuvers fell on civilian areas, causing one death in the Emirate’s capital.
Attack on US Naval Base in Bahrain
In Bahrain, it was confirmed that one missile struck a service center for the US Fifth Fleet, causing a massive explosion and the sound of alarm sirens in Manama. In Jordan, the army reported shooting down two Iranian ballistic missiles over its territory, indicating the intensity of defensive actions throughout the region.
Civilian Casualties in Iran From US/Israeli Strikes
Parallel to Iran’s retaliatory attacks, authorities in Tehran announced tragic consequences from earlier US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. According to the state IRNA agency, an elementary school for girls was hit in the town of Minab in Hormozgan province. The death toll rose from five to 40 students.
Minab School Attack Details
Minab is located in the southern part of the country, near the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The region houses a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian authorities stated that the schoolgirls were the first fatal victims on Iranian territory from airstrikes that initially targeted Tehran and then spread to other parts of the country.
