ABU DHABI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense said on Monday that its air defense systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones amid ongoing military escalation, resulting in three fatalities and dozens of injuries.

In a statement, the ministry said nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 148 drones were intercepted earlier in the day.

Since the onset of what the ministry described as Iranian attacks, a total of 174 ballistic missiles have been detected heading toward the UAE, with 161 destroyed and 13 falling into the sea, it added. Additionally, 689 drones were detected, with 645 intercepted and 44 landing within UAE territory, while eight cruise missiles were also destroyed.

The ministry confirmed that the attacks caused collateral damage, resulting in three deaths and 68 minor injuries.

It explained that sounds heard across various parts of the country were from air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles, which led to minor to moderate material damage at multiple civilian facilities. ■