The Houthis say attacks are targeting cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A spokesman for the insurgents warned on television at the end of January that the shelling will not stop until the Emirates no longer interfere in the conflict in Yemen. A bloody civil war has been raging there for years.
The rebels carried out an attack, among other things, when the Israeli president visited the UAE last month. The Emirates then announced that a ballistic missile had been shot down by air defenses. As far as is known, there were no casualties.
Three people killed
Earlier in January, three people had been killed in a shelling. An attack was also carried out on an air base where American troops are stationed. Soldiers on the base were forced to deploy their Patriot air defense system against the approaching projectiles.
The ongoing shelling is a headache for the prosperous Gulf state. The rocket attacks can not only lead to casualties, but also to economic damage. There can be nervousness among investors and the millions of foreigners living and working in the UAE.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has promised assistance in a telephone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, the de facto leader of the UAE. For example, the naval vessel USS Cole will collaborate with the navy of the Emirates. The vessel will also visit Abu Dhabi later, according to a statement.
Austin also announced the deployment of advanced combat aircraft. In addition, the US continues to share intelligence and assist the Emirates with their air defense.