ABU DHABI,— Two members of the United Arab Emirates armed forces died Monday when a military helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction, the country’s Ministry of Defence reported.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry expressed its condolences, saying it prayed for mercy for the fallen soldiers and strength for their families.

The helicopter accident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Regional instability increased after the United States and Israel conducted joint airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.

The strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and more than 40 senior military officials in Tehran and other Iranian cities, U.S. and regional sources said.

Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting the Gulf region. According to state reports, the attacks hit airports, seaports, hotels, and residential neighborhoods in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

On Monday, UAE air defenses detected 15 ballistic missiles, destroying 12 while three fell into the sea. The country also identified 18 drones, intercepting 17, with one landing within its territory, the state-run news agency reported.

Since the start of Iran’s counterattacks, UAE forces have detected 253 ballistic missiles. Of these, 233 were destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and two landed in the country.

In addition, 1,440 drones were detected, with 1,359 intercepted and 81 landing on UAE territory. The military detected eight cruise missiles and took action to eliminate them.

The attacks have caused four deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi workers, and 117 people suffered minor injuries.

The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that it is fully prepared to confront any security threats.

The ministry said it will respond decisively to any attempts to undermine national security, protecting the country’s sovereignty and maintaining stability and safety for residents.

(With files from The UAE Ministry of Defence, Agencies)

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