US sending warship, fighter jets to support UAE

Advertisement

On Wednesday, the UAE air defence had intercepted three drones with hostile intent and destroyed those objects which penetrated the country’s airspace…reports Asian Lite News        

The United States is sending its guided missile destroyer USS Cole and fighter jets to partner with the UAE Navy in the wake of the recent Houthi attacks against the country.

In a phone call with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin spoke reviewed a range of actions the Department of Defence is taking to support the UAE.

These include continuing to provide early warning intelligence, collaborating on air defense, and sending USS Cole to the region.

USS Cole is the same missile destroyer that was attacked by Al Qaeda militants on October 12, 2000 – a precursor to 9/11 – during a port call in Aden, resulting in the death of 17 US Navy sailors, Khaleej Times reported.

Austin informed the Crown Prince of his decision to deploy 5th Generation Fighter aircraft to assist the UAE against the current threat and as a clear signal that the United States stands with the UAE as a long-standing strategic partner, the Pentagon said in a press release.

Austin and Sheikh Mohamed also discussed the recent Houthi attacks against the UAE that caused civilian casualties and also threatened US and Emirati armed forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base.  Secretary Austin reiterated his strong condemnation of these attacks, and his commitment to U.S.-UAE strategic partnership. 

On Wednesday, the UAE air defence had intercepted three drones with hostile intent and destroyed those objects which penetrated the country’s airspace.            

“The Ministry of Defence (MOD) announces interception and destruction, away from populated areas, of three hostile drones that penetrated UAE airspace at dawn today, 2/2/2022,” said the UAE’s Ministry of Defence on Wednesday (local time).

“MOD confirms it is ready to deal with any threats and is taking all necessary measures to protect the state and its territory,” the Ministry added.

This was the fourth attack against the UAE since the start of January.

On Monday, the UAE air defence systems have intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement from Yemen, the UAE Defense Ministry informed.

Last Monday, the UAE air defence intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis, the remains of the missiles fell in the Abu Dhabi area.

ALSO READ-Typhoon jets scrambled

[mc4wp_form id=""]

Advertisement