An Indian national was killed by falling debris after a ballistic missile was intercepted over Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Another Indian was injured in the incident along with two other individuals of Emirati and Jordanian nationalities.
Another individual who was killed in the incident was of Pakistani origin. These casualties occurred specifically on Sweihan Street following the activation of air defence protocols to neutralise the incoming threat.
While the primary missile was successfully neutralised by the defence systems, the subsequent rain of fragments over a populated area caused significant distress and damage. Emergency services were deployed to the scene immediately to assist the victims and manage the wreckage caused to several vehicles.
The Abu Dhabi media office wrote in a post on X, “In the context of the ongoing follow-up to the previously announced incident resulting from the fall of debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defenses, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality.”
As part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems, the incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and…
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 26, 2026
The death count of Indians killed in the Middle East war has now risen to at least seven.
Since the start of the war, the UAE’s air defences have engaged 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,826 UAVs.
Since Iran started its attacks on its Gulf neighbours, 169 people have been injured, with the severity ranging from minor to severe, said the UAE’s Ministry of Defence. The ministry also asserted that it is ready to deal with any threats and will “confront” any attempt made to undermine its security.
Statement of the UAE’s Ministry of Defence
This event underscores the inherent risks posed by falling shrapnel during high-altitude interceptions, even when defence systems perform as intended. Consequently, officials in Abu Dhabi have indicated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, while reiterating the importance of relying on credible, official communication to prevent the spread of unconfirmed reports.
