UAEs Fujairah Hit by Attack on Monday

UAE Accuses Iran of Launching Missile and Drone Attacks

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a barrage of missile and drone attacks on its Fujairah Port, which injured three Indian nationals and set an oil refinery ablaze. The UAE’s Ministry of Defence stated that its air defences engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched from Iran.

Iran’s state television attributed the attacks to “US military adventurism”. The port of Fujairah is a multipurpose deep-sea port located on the Gulf of Oman, approximately 70 nautical miles outside the Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks one of several recent targeting attempts by Iran in the region.

On April 6, authorities reported an incident involving a drone approaching from Iran towards a telecommunications company’s building in Fujairah. The details of this incident are unclear. The port serves multiple purposes, including as the terminus of the Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline, which carries approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil per day.

US President Trump announced that US forces would begin escorting stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a move seen as a direct challenge to Iran’s closure of the waterway. The closure has resulted in significant disruptions to global oil supplies and prices. The UAE has reserved the right to respond to Iranian attacks, which it described as a serious escalation in tensions in the Gulf.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians. Iran released a map showing an expanded maritime area under its control, sparking concerns about further regional conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera