UAE bans drones after attack by Houthi rebels

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), had banned the use of drones for a period of one month, days after Yemen based Houthi rebels launched a deadly drone and missile attack on its capital Abu Dhabi that resulted in the death of three civilians.

Local media reports quoted a Ministry of Interior press release which reads, “the Ministry of Interior is currently stopping all flying operations for owners, practitioners and enthusiasts of drones, including drones and light sports aircraft for a month.” The government also cautioned people that anyone flying it will be subject to legal liabilities. It adds, “anyone performing these activities during that period and disregarding guidelines will be subject to legal liabilities. Those who need to fly drones for work must ask the authorities for the necessary exceptions and permits.”

The Ministry of Interior affairs did not exclusively mention the recent deadly attack, but added that the decision has been made after “misuse spotted recently” where users were “trespassing into areas where these types of activities are prohibited.”

Last Monday, Houthi rebels did a drone and missile attack that hit the oil facilities and the airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, killing three people and injuring half a dozen.

The Houthi rebels have carried out repeated cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia, but 17 January was the first attack carried out and acknowledged by the UAE inside its borders and claimed by the Yemeni insurgents. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a part of a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition that supports Yemen’s government while the Houthis are supported by Iran.

After the attacks which exploded fuel tanks at the airport the Crude prices soared to seven-year highs as chances of escalation had increased with the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition promising to retaliate in a major way.