US President Joe Biden and the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly issued messages of solidarity to the UAE on the anniversary of the terrorist strike on Abu Dhabi by Houthi fighters that killed three people.
Biden said that the US “stand[s] resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.”
James Cleverly said that “The UK’s commitment to standing with our Emirati friends in the face of threats to their security is as strong today as it was then.”
Last year three people were killed and six were injured after an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah was attacked by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.
The surprise attack resulted in a major fire at the oil distribution plant as well as significant damage to the oil storage tanks. The Mussaffah plant is a key facility in the UAE’s oil infrastructure, and the attack caused a disruption in the country’s oil supply. The facility is responsible for the distribution of oil to both domestic and international markets.
The attack was claimed by the Houthis, who stated that it was in retaliation for the continued bombing of Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition, which includes the UAE. The coalition has been fighting against the Houthis since 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
Iran backed-Houthi’s
Iran is believed to provide funding and support to the Houthi fighters in Yemen as part of its broader regional strategy. By supporting the Houthis, Iran is able to exert influence and gain a foothold in the strategically important country of Yemen, which is located on the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a vital waterway for international shipping and oil transport.
Iran has been accused of providing the Houthis with weapons, military training, and financial support. However, Iran has repeatedly denied providing any military support to the group, and said it only provide political and humanitarian aid. In November, Yemen’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said the Houthis must be designated as a terrorist group.
In response to the attack, the UAE has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its oil infrastructure and ensure the security and stability of the country’s energy supply. The international community has also condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to the violence in Yemen.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File
