UAE Tennis Tournament Suspended Due to Drone Interception Incident

A tennis tournament in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, was halted on Tuesday due to a “security alert” linked to Iranian strikes in the Gulf region. The Fujairah Challenger event, a men’s second-tier global circuit tournament, was suspended after falling debris from an intercepted drone caused a fire in an oilfield approximately 15km away.

The ATP issued a statement saying that play had been cancelled for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure following consultation with local authorities and security advisors. Two players, Daniil Ostapenkov of Belarus and Hayato Matsuoka of Japan, were seen scrambling for shelter after a public announcement.

Iran has launched missiles and drones at several countries in the region since Saturday, resulting in at least 787 deaths across Iran. The Iranian attacks have targeted oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf, prompting concerns about disruptions to global energy markets. The UAE has condemned the firings from Iran as “blatant aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty and international law.

According to the UAE’s Defence Ministry, the country has intercepted 186 Iranian missiles since February 28, with 172 destroyed, 13 falling into the sea, and one landing on its territory. The ministry also reported that 755 Iranian drones were intercepted, with 57 falling within UAE territory. At least three people have been killed in the UAE due to the attacks so far, while 68 others suffered minor injuries.

The UAE has reserved its right to respond to the escalation and take necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents.

Source: Al Jazeera