WASHINGTON: The United States condemned Monday's drone strike on Abu Dhabi claimed by Yemen's Houthis and vowed to hold the rebels accountable for the "terrorist attack" that left three people dead.
A Pakistani and two Indians working for oil giant ADNOC were killed as three petrol tanks exploded near a storage facility, while a fire also ignited in a construction area at Abu Dhabi airport in the heart of the UAE.
Police said “small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones” were found at both sites. Drone attacks have been a hallmark of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebels’ assaults on neighboring Saudi Arabia.
"The Houthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, and we will work with the UAE and international partners to hold them accountable," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a White House statement.
"Our commitment to the security of the UAE is unwavering and we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory."
The United Arab Emirates -- of which Abu Dhabi is the capital -- is part of a Riyadh-led military coalition that supports Yemen's government against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia with cross-border strikes.
The State Department echoed the condemnation, according to a statement from spokesman Ned Price.
"We express our condolences to the families of these victims and to the people of the UAE," he said.
"We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the security of the UAE and stand united with our Emirati partner."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke later Monday with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Price said in a second statement.
"Secretary Blinken condemned the terrorist attacks today, which killed and wounded innocent civilians," Price said.
"The Secretary expressed his solidarity with the Emirati people and voiced his condolences for the loss of life."
The UAE has vowed reprisals after the attack on the oil facility.
“We condemn the Houthi terrorist militia’s targeting of civilian areas and facilities on UAE soil today... this sinful targeting will not go unpunished,” UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said in a statement, as his ministry described the attack as a “heinous criminal escalation.”
The incident follows a surge in fighting in Yemen, including advances by UAE-trained troops. The rebels also seized a UAE-flagged ship and its international crew earlier this month.
