There has been widespread international condemnation of a drone attack on Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Yemeni Houthi Group, which is backed by Iran, has claimed responsibility for the attack which killed three persons.
The attack on the airport of the UAE capital is seen as a serious escalation of the ongoing conflict in Yemen where a regional coalition including Saudi Arabia and the UAE is assisting the internationally recognised government of Yemen in its efforts to regain control of the country from the Houthi movement which seized the capital and large swats of the country in 2015.
In yesterday's drone attack on Abu Dhabi airport three civilians were killed and six were injured when the drone strike hit fuel depots owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which also caused a fire. Abu Dhabi police identified the dead as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani.
During the day in another incident, eight explosive-laden drones were launched by the Houthis toward Saudi Arabia, all of which were intercepted.
In Washington, State Department spokesperson Ned price said in a statement that "the United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi today, which struck civilian sites including Abu Dhabi’s international airport, killing and wounding innocent civilians. We express our condolences to the families of these victims and to the people of the UAE. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for this attack. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the security of the UAE and stand united with our Emirati partners."
Later, it was also reported that US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with the Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Secretary Blinken condemned today's terrorist attacks which killed and wounded innocent civilians. A State Department statement said "The Houthis have claimed responsibility for this appalling attack. The Secretary expressed his solidarity with the Emirati people and voiced his condolences for the loss of life."
In Brussels, the spokesperson for the European Union jointed the international condemnation, stating that "the European Union strongly condemns Monday’s cross-border drone attack claimed by Yemeni movement Ansar Allah against fuel tank storage facility near Abu Dhabi airport."
The statement added that "attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. The latest attack increases the risk of further escalation of the Yemen conflict and undermines ongoing efforts to end the war. There can only be a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The EU calls for restraint to avoid further escalation. Furthermore, the EU urges all parties to engage with the UN Special Envoy achieve an end to the fighting and a comprehensive and inclusive political agreement."
There has also been strong condemnations of the attack in the region itself. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone with his Abu Dhabi counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, during which he condemned an attack
The two leaders affirmed that these terrorist acts that targeted the Kingdom and the UAE would increase both countries’ “resolve and their determination to continue to confront those aggressive practices” carried out by the Houthi militia, who have wreaked havoc in Yemen, killing the Yemeni people and continue its “miserable and unsuccessful attempts to spread chaos” with the aim of destabilizing the region’s security and stability.
The crown princes called on the international community to stand up to these flagrant violations of international law and norms and to reject and condemn these terrorist crimes that threaten regional and international peace and security, a statement on Saudi Press Agency said.
The Saudi crown prince expressed his deepest condolences for the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Sheikh Mohammed thanked Prince Mohammed for the sincere sentiments, which confirmed the solid ties and close bond that unite the two countries and peoples and their determination to confront terrorism.
During the call, they also discussed regional affairs and issues of common interest, the statement added.
Also on Monday, Saudi deputy minister for defense Prince Khalid bin Salman said the Houthis’ aggression against the Kingdom and UAE represented a threat to the security of the two countries and the entire region, and showed they were not interested in political solutions to the Yemeni conflict. He added the militia had chosen a path of escalation and would bear responsibility for tampering with the future of Yemen and for its attacks on neighboring countries.
Prince Khalid urged the international community to stand up to such Houthi transgressions, including its threatening of security of international waterways, and to their regional supporter, Iran, who he said considered the region and its security as negotiating cards. He also said Iran’s continued support of the militia with weapons and equipment through the ports of Hodeidah and Salif represented a violation of UN resolutions and international laws and norms, and called for an international effort to address it.
source: commonspace.eu
photo: Plumes of smoke following a drone attack on oil facilities at Abu Dhabi airport.
