South Africans’ harrowing tales of missile threats

SOUTH Africans living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have described nerve-wracking nights as missiles and drones were intercepted over the region, while a Capetonian couple narrowly escaped danger while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

For families back home, the anxiety of watching loved ones in the middle of such chaos has been profound.

The recent surge of missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE and other Gulf countries began on February 28, following a major retaliatory operation by Iran. Earlier that day, a joint US and Israeli military strike hit multiple locations inside Iran.

The attacks came amid months of escalating regional tensions and were reportedly linked to the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that Tehran pledged to avenge.

Cedric and Annelize Abrahams, parents based in South Africa, recounted the terrifying moments when they tried to reach their son, who was in Abu Dhabi with his spouse.

Last Saturday, the couple was attending a high school reunion when Annelize’s sister alerted her to check their family chat group. When they opened the chat, messages from family members were of shock and fear, and emojis highlighting the panic. Their son gave them a summary of what had been happening, ending with: “But no danger here, we are fine. Our hearts were gripped with shock and disbelief,” Cedric said. “‘No... it can’t be. Is this a joke?’ But his earlier words carried definite panic. In that moment, we knew we had to be firm, rooted, and strong for them.”

The couple called shortly after 10pm. On the video call, their son and spouse showed fragments of debris lighting up the night sky.

Stay calm

“At that stage, we could hardly see what they were showing us because we had only one thing on our minds as parents: We need to be calm for their sake, even though my heart was pounding somewhere in my throat,” Annelize said.

With steady voices, they reassured their family that they were safe and protected, even amid the chaos.