On 28 February 2026, Iran reportedly launched a series of ballistic missile strikes targeting major cities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in retaliation for “Operation Epic Fury,” a joint U.S.-Israeli military strike on Iranian territory. While the UAE’s advanced air defence systems intercepted the majority of the projectiles over Dubai and Abu Dhabi, falling debris resulted in the death of one civilian in the capital.
The escalation has triggered immediate airspace closures, the suspension of international flights by carriers including Air India and Indigo, and urgent “shelter-in-place” orders for millions of foreign nationals.
Interceptions and Human Impact
The night sky over the Emirates was lit by the glow of interceptor missiles as residents reported hearing multiple thunderous explosions. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that while the “vast majority” of threats were neutralised, shrapnel from an intercepted missile claimed the life of a resident in Abu Dhabi.
“Our primary focus remains the protection of our people and our borders,” a Ministry spokesperson stated, urging the public to avoid touching any fallen debris. Major diplomatic missions, including the Indian Embassy and the U.S. Consulate, have activated 24/7 emergency helplines, advising their citizens to remain indoors and away from windows as regional tensions reach a critical breaking point.
The Path to Escalation
This direct confrontation follows weeks of heightened friction, culminating in “Operation Epic Fury,” a coordinated strike by U.S. and Israeli forces against strategic Iranian infrastructure.
Tehran characterised those strikes as “unprovoked aggression,” leading to this multi-front missile response. Beyond the UAE, air defences in Riyadh and Doha were also engaged, marking this as one of the most significant and widespread military escalations in the Gulf in recent decades. The disruption to global aviation has been instantaneous, with thousands of passengers stranded at Dubai International Airport as authorities prioritise the safety of the civilian corridor over commercial schedules.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no political objective justifies the loss of innocent life or the terror inflicted upon civilian populations. This cycle of “eye-for-an-eye” retaliation only serves to hollow out the prospects of regional stability and human security. True strength lies not in the range of one’s missiles, but in the courage to pursue diplomacy and dialogue even when it seems impossible. We stand in solidarity with the families affected and call upon world leaders to choose the path of de-escalation over the path of destruction.
What steps do you believe the international community must take to ensure that civilian lives are never again used as pawns in geopolitical conflicts?
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