UAE seeks Pentagon’s support following drone attack on Abu Dhabi
The UAE has asked the Biden administration to reinstate a prior terrorist designation for Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The United Arab Emirates is requesting US support to shore up its air defenses following a deadly drone attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Abu Dhabi Crown Price Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin by phone on Wednesday to request the assistance, the UAE’s ambassador to Washington Yousuf Al Otaiba said following the call.
A Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the request but provided no further details.
“They discussed urgent steps to tighten air defenses against missiles and drones and enhance maritime security to stop weapons flows” to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the UAE’s embassy in Washington said in a statement.
