White House 'strongly condemns' attack in UAE capital

WASHINGTON: The White House on Monday condemned an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels that killed three people in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, pledging to hold the insurgent group responsible.  

“The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, which killed three innocent civilians,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement Monday afternoon. 

“The Houthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, and we will work with the UAE and international partners to hold them accountable,” Sullivan continued. “Our commitment to the security of the UAE is unwavering and we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory.” 

The drone attack near Abu Dhabi airport, a main hub of the UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi, killed three people and injured six on Monday. The attack targeted an oil facility in Abu Dhabi and caused a fire at Abu Dhabi International Airport, according to The Associated Press.  

The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the explosion, which occurred at a time when the group is losing ground in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.  

The UAE has pulled back forces from Yemen but supports the Yemen government forces in the war.