Several explosions followed a suspected Houthi drone strike on Monday near the airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital Abu Dhabi. Two Indians and a Pakistani national were killed and six others were injured in the attack. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), another fire incident was also reported in the newly under construction area of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
According to CNN-News18, the Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi could be a ‘test trial’ and the Houthi insurgents could carry out such attacks again in Dubai. Sources in the UAE Intelligence Services told CNN-News18 that there are fears that such attacks could be repeated at the Dubai Expo or Global Village in Dubai, where millions of people visit daily.
UAE officials believe Monday’s attack could be a warning or a test trial for such an attack. However, the UAE has spent a huge amount to create an air security zone in the Dubai Expo area to prevent any drone-type attack.
A fire broke out in the Musaffah ICAD 3 field near the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) storage center, causing the explosion of three petroleum tankers, Emirates News Agency said. The agency said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the fire was caused by small flying objects falling in both the areas, which could possibly be related to the drone.
He said that the fire has been brought under control. Abu Dhabi Police has identified the dead as two Indians and a Pakistani national. At least six people were injured, with minor injuries, police said. However, the police did not reveal his identity.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE said that the mission is in touch with the relevant UAE authorities. According to the police, the authorities have started a thorough investigation to find out the cause of the fire and the circumstances related to it. The agency said that no major damage was reported in both the accidents.
On Monday, a fire broke out in an under-construction area of Abu Dhabi Airport, temporarily blocking some flights. An Etihad Airways spokesperson told Khaleej Times that normal operations at the airport were immediately resumed. The safety of our guests and crew members is our top priority, he added.
The UAE did not immediately hold anyone responsible for the attack. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, however, claim that they have targeted the United Arab Emirates. He did not give details. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they would soon issue a statement about a special military operation in the middle of the UAE, Houthi-owned Al Masira TV channel said on Monday.
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