US to send destroyer, fifth-generation fighters to support UAE against Houthi threat

Middle East, News, US February 2, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

United States to send U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Cole and stealth fighter jets to assist the United Arab Emirates amid recent missile attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi rebel group that has conducted three missile and drone attacks on the UAE since January 17.

U.S. Secretary of Defense held phone talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 1, during which he reiterated “strong condemnation” of Houthi-led attacks and reaffirmed his “commitment to U.S.-UAE strategic partnership”.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated in a press release that “The two leaders discussed the recent Houthi attacks against the UAE that caused civilian casualties and also threatened U.S. and Emirati armed forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base.”

According to the Department of Defense release, Secretary Austin “reviewed a range of actions” the Pentagon is taking to support the UAE. “These include continuing to provide early warning intelligence, collaborating on air defense, and sending the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Cole to partner with the UAE Navy before making a port call in Abu Dhabi.”

Defense Secretary Austin during a phone call with the UAE Crown Prince Zayed Al Nahyan informed his decision to deploy fifth-generation fighter jets to support the UAE “against the current threat and as a clear signal that the United States stands with the UAE as a long-standing strategic partner,” the Pentagon statement read.

*^{The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) underway to the Mediterranean Sea. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy)}*

Earlier on January 16, UAE’s THAAD system came into action for the first time when it intercepted a missile fired by Houthi militants in Abu Dhabi. The deadly militant attack was carried out with short-range cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic missiles that killed three civilians and wounded six.

UAE has been a key member of the Saudi-led coalition that entered Yemen to fight the Houthi rebels in 2015. Since then, there has been a looming threat of an Iran-backed Houthi militant’s attack on the UAE.

Last year, the Houthi rebels started a major offensive against the Yemeni government army in a bid to capture the oil-rich province of Marib. The rebel group has also intensified cross-border missile and drone attacks, mainly targeting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.