Alleged drone attack: Houthis attack Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates have become the target of a suspected drone attack. At least three people were killed. The Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Yemeni Houthi rebels have attacked the United Arab Emirates. A spokesman for the movement confirmed the attack. At least three people were killed and six others injured.

The authorities in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, had previously reported fires. Abu Dhabi police said three tankers exploded in an industrial area near state-owned oil company ADNOC. A fire also broke out at a construction site near Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“Parts of small aircraft, possibly drones”

Emirates Police said: “Initial investigations have identified parts of light aircraft, which may be drones, at both locations that may have caused the explosion and fire.” A comprehensive investigation has been launched.

The military spokesman for Yemen’s Houthi movement said the movement had launched a military operation “deep in the United Arab Emirates” and would announce details in the coming hours.

Coalition fights Houthis

In 2015, Saudi Arabia formed a military coalition that also includes the Emirates. On the side of Yemen’s internationally recognized president, the coalition is fighting the Houthis, who in turn are supported by Iran and originally called for more political involvement in Yemen.

The Houthis have repeatedly launched cross-border missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but last targeted the Emirates in 2019. Thereafter, Abu Dhabi reduced the military presence in Yemen. But: The emirate continues to finance Yemeni armed forces.