Lagatar24 Desk
Dubai, Jan 18: India has stated that it will provide “any help” to the families of the two Indian citizens killed in a suspected Houthi drone strike near the Abu Dhabi airport, which resulted in numerous explosions in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
In a Yemeni attack claimed by Houthi rebels on Monday, two Indians and a Pakistani national were murdered, while six others were injured.
“Small flying objects,” likely drones, struck three petroleum tankers in Abu Dhabi, causing explosions.
Sunjay Sudhir, India’s ambassador to the UAE, told The National newspaper that the Indian government would provide “whatever support is possible” to the families of the two murdered Indian citizens.
The names of the two Indians murdered in the incident have yet to be released by the Indian embassy.
Meanwhile, a day after the drone attack, words of condemnation and solidarity have poured in from all corners.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was summoned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Saudi Crown Prince offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also condemned the attack in “the harshest terms,” saying that “the UAE reserves the right to respond to these terrorist actions and criminal escalation.”
Drone strikes against Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) petroleum facilities and the airport, according to Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, will not go unpunished.
Since 2015, the UAE has been a part in a Saudi-led military action in Yemen against the Houthi rebels. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also received a phone call from King Abdullah of Jordan, during which he condemned the Houthi attack on facilities and civil areas in the UAE.
