Yemeni officials said the armed drone strike was proof of its capability to launch strikes on civilian infrastructure (Reuters)
Several flights from Abu Dhabi airport in the United Arab Emirates were delayed on Thursday after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed it attacked the airport with an armed drone.
Houthi rebels announced the attack took place on the Houthi-run Yemeni TV station Al Masirah, according to Reuters.
There was no immediate comment from UAE authorities on the report, but Abu Dhabi airport tweeted earlier in the day that there had been an incident involving a supply vehicle.
It was not immediately clear however if there was any casualties or damage.
Emirati officials told Reuters that the attack did not occur and that airport operation was "business as usual."
General Abdullah al Jafri, a Houthi spokesman, said the attack was a means towards showing the UAE its ability to launch strikes against vital civilian infrastructure.
"Our attack on Abu Dhabi airport shows our forces are no paper tiger like our enemies," said Jafari.
"They mocked us before, but let me make it clear that the next stage will be targeting the infrastructure of our enemies in Saudi & the UAE."
This alleged attack comes after Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended transport of oil supplies through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait after Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers.
[contf]
[contfnew]
middle east eye
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
