Abu Dhabi, March 17 -- The Ministry of Defence in the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that the nation's air protection units are currently engaged in repelling incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran.

Providing context to the ongoing situation, the ministry explained that the loud sounds heard across the area are the result of "air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones."

Amid this aerial activity, a maritime incident has been reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). A tanker was hit by an "unknown projectile" approximately 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah.

The agency noted in a post on X that the vessel was "at anchor" when the incident occurred. While the strike caused "minor structural...