US President Joe Biden has sent a message of solidarity to the UAE on the anniversary of a terrorist strike on Abu Dhabi that killed three people.
Mr Biden said his country will support the Emirates against any threat, saying: “We stand resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.”
Three people were killed and six were injured when an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah was attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prompting worldwide condemnation.
Several further attempted rocket and drone strikes were intercepted.
“One year ago, in a terrorist attack launched from Yemen, two ballistic missiles and a series of drones targeted civilian sites in the United Arab Emirates,” Mr Biden said in a White House statement.
“While the UAE’s air defence systems — a hallmark of our decades-long security partnership — shot the missiles out of the sky, three innocent civilians died during this heinous attack.
“Today, we remember the lives that were so tragically lost, and we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the safety and security of the Emirati people.
“Working in close co-operation with my friend President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the United States will continue to support the UAE as it defends itself against threats — whether from Yemen or anywhere else.”
Mr Biden said the US would work to bring an end to conflict in Yemen, while ensuring security for allies in the region.
“We remain steadfast in our pursuit of diplomacy to bring a peaceful end to the war in Yemen, and the United States will continue to support the security of the UAE and our other partners in the Middle East, including providing needed military assistance,” he said.
“Therefore, as we commemorate the tragic events of one year ago, we stand resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.
“As the UAE prepares to host the world to address the climate challenge during Cop28 this fall, the United States and UAE will continue our work to advance impactful new initiatives, like the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment,” Mr Biden said.
“Our strong partnership is critical to building a shared future of greater peace, stability, and integration throughout the region.”
Earlier, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said the Emirates had grown in strength since the events of last January.
“They wanted to shake confidence in our country, but it is stronger than any terrorist threat, proud of the determination of its leadership and people and its capabilities,” Dr Gargash said.
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Terror attack victim Said Noor Jabar Khan speaks to 'The National' about surviving the blast at the oil storage plant. All photos: Leslie Pableo for The National -
Mr Khan is recovering in hospital in Abu Dhabi. -
The blast sent debris flying into Mr Khan's shoulder, narrowly missing an artery between his arm and chest that, if hit, could have proved fatal. -
Doctors removed shrapnel from Mr Khan's left shoulder. -
Blast survivor Ramjan Mohhmad Rath, recuperating at home in Abu Dhabi, said he had never heard such a loud sound. -
Mr Rath received 10 stitches in his left leg. -
Mr Rath was standing near his lorry completing paperwork when the blast occurred.
