UAE calls for UNSC meeting on Houthi attacks

The letter submitted to the UN Security Council President by UAE condemns the Houthis’ targeting of civilians and civilian objects in flagrant violation of international law and called on the Council to unequivocally condemn the Houthi attacks with one voice, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The United Arab Emirates submitted a letter to Norway, the United Nations Security Council President for the month of January, requesting a meeting of the Council to address the Houthi terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi on 17 January.

The letter condemns the Houthis’ targeting of civilians and civilian objects in flagrant violation of international law. It calls on the Council to unequivocally condemn the Houthi attacks with one voice.

“The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Houthis’ targeting of civilians and civilian objects in flagrant violation of international law,” said Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN.

“The UAE expresses its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery. This illegal and alarming escalation is a further step in the Houthis’ efforts to spread terrorism and chaos in our region. It is another attempt by the Houthis, using the capabilities they have unlawfully acquired in defiance of UN sanctions, to threaten peace and security. The United Arab Emirates calls on the Security Council to speak with one voice and join in firmly and unequivocally condemning these terrorist attacks, which were launched in complete disregard of international law.”

ALSO READ: World leaders rap attack on UAE targets

At 10 a.m. UAE time on 17 January 2022, Houthi militias targeted the Musaffah ICAD 3 area and the new construction area at Abu Dhabi International Airport, both of which are civilian infrastructure. The attacks, which led to the explosion of three petroleum tankers, killed two Indian civilians and one Pakistani civilian and injured six other civilians. The Houthis confirmed responsibility for the attacks.

Israel offers security, intelligence support

Israel has condemned Monday’s deadly Houthi attack in the UAE and promised to offer security and intelligence assistance to the Arab country.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett wrote on Twitter that he “strongly condemns” the drone attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis near Abu Dhabi’s airport, which killed at least three people and injured six, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Israel stands with the UAE. I stand with (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Zayed. The world should stand against terrorists,” Bennett tweeted.

In a letter addressed to bin Zayed, which Bennett posted on Twitter, he said that Israel is “committed to working closely” with the UAE against “extremist forces in the region,” and promised to offer “security and intelligence support” to help prevent possible future attacks.

“I have ordered the Israeli security establishment to provide their counterparts in the UAE with any assistance, should you be interested,” Bennett said.

India pledges solidarity

Conveying India’s strong solidarity with UAE after explosions in Abu Dhabi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that New Delhi will stand with the United Arab Emirates at international forums on the issue of terrorism.

During a telephonic conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the EAM discussed the terror attack on UAE on Monday that killed two Indian nationals, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

As per the statement, the UAE Foreign Minister shared the details of the attack and conveyed the deepest condolences of the UAE Government on the death of two Indians.

He assured that the UAE Government would extend the fullest support to the families of the deceased and country’s authorities are in continuous touch with the Indian Embassy in that regard, the MEA said.

On his part, Jaishankar condemned the terror attack in the strongest terms. He emphasised that in this day and age, such an attack on innocent civilians was completely unacceptable and against all civilized norms. EAM appreciated the immediate assistance provided by UAE authorities to the Embassy in responding to this tragic situation.

ALSO READ: Houthi terror chief killed in Coalition strikes

He also conveyed India’s strong solidarity with the UAE in the face of such an attack. Given its principled position against terrorism, India will stand with UAE in international forums on this issue.

The MEA is in contact with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi regarding the return to India of the mortal remains of the deceased, the statement read adding that the Embassy is coordinating with the families. (with inputs from ANI)