Houthi terror attack: UAE destroys ballistic missile launched by Yemen's rebels

Ministry of Defence confirmed there were no casualties resulting from the attack

A ballistic missile launched at the UAE by Yemen's Houthi militia was intercepted and destroyed in the early hours of Monday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Air defences took down the projectile at 12.20am as it flew towards the Emirates.

There were no casualties and the fragments of the ballistic missile fell in different unpopulated areas, Wam reported.

"I’ve directed Secretary [of Defence Lloyd] Austin to do everything he can to communicate the support of the United States for the UAE, Saudi Arabia and throughout the Gulf region," said US President Joe Biden from the White House while hosting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"America will have the backs of our friends in the region."

A subsequent strike on a target in Al Jawf province, outside Houthi-controlled Sanaa, destroyed a missile platform and the launch site, the ministry said in a tweet.

We are determined to achieve our goals and strategic vision to build a stable and prosperous region for everyone. Provoking us will do no good

Dr Anwar Gargash,
Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President

"The UAE air defence forces and the Coalition Command succeeded in destroying the missile launcher in Yemen after identifying locations of the sites."

The ministry reiterated its "full readiness to deal with any threats", adding it would "take all necessary measures to protect the UAE from any attacks". Officials called on the public to only follow news from official sources.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa, said on Twitter that the country will not be distracted from its part in "building a stable and prosperous region for all".

"We are determined to achieve our goals and strategic vision to build a stable and prosperous region for everyone. Provoking us will do no good.

"We do not see the threats of terrorist organisations and their fantasies based on illusions as more than something that will pass and be handled in a way that guarantees our security and national sovereignty. Those who test the UAE are mistaken to do so."

The General Civil Aviation Authority, which regulates air travel, on Monday said that "air traffic movement is normal and all flights are operating as usual", in a Wam statement.

"There is no impact on flights and airports resulting from the interception of the ballistic missile launched by the Houthi terrorist militia on the country," it added.

The US denounced the attempted attack on Monday.

"We condemn the latest Houthi missile attack on Abu Dhabi," said Ned Price, spokesman for the US Department of State.

"While Israel’s president is visiting the UAE to build bridges and promote stability across the region, the Houthis continue to launch attacks that threaten civilians," he said.

Houthi terrorist arsenal: in pictures

Missiles on display at a Houthi exhibition. The terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a spate of attempted attacks on the UAE leading to global condemnation. Reuters

A Houthi fighter fires an anti-tank missile in an August offensive near the south-west Saudi region of Najran along the Yemeni border. AFP

A Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Saudi Arabia. The kingdom thwarted a bid by Houthi militias to target civilians and civilian sites in the city of Khamis Mushait. Reuters

A file picture of the Quds cruise missile launch from an unidentified location in Yemen. Reuters

Missiles and drone aircraft are on display at a Houthi exhibition in Yemen. Reuters