United Arab Emirates in the crosshairs: 95% defenses and repatriation for 30,000 Italians

"The United Arab Emirates is the country that is most affected daily by the Iranians. It has received twice the number of direct attacks aimed at Israel." This was stated in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera by the Italian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Lorenzo Fanara. The Emirati air defense has proven to be highly effective, intercepting more than 95% of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, he reports.

Regarding the repatriation of compatriots, "we have done and continue to do everything possible," he says. He recounts: "We found ourselves managing a complex situation, given that there were about 30,000 Italians in the Emirates. In these cases, it is difficult to trace them one by one." The method agreed upon with our Crisis Unit at the Foreign Ministry was followed, with the 'Gulf Task Force' created by Minister Antonio Tajani. We activated social media with accurate information and, at the same time, sent SMS messages, through the Crisis Unit of the Foreign Ministry, to all those who had registered on the ministry's Travel Safely website.

If the Emirates enter the war: "The authorities have repeatedly stated that they do not want to be involved in the conflict or in any form of escalation - he recalls - But they affirm the right to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity based on the principles of self-defense enshrined in the United Nations Charter." For the ambassador, it is a country that has so far acted with wisdom and caution" and believes it will "continue to do so unless forced to defend itself."