Geared to deal with any situation: Indian envoy to UAE after Abu Dhabi fire

Two Indians are among the three who died at the explosions caused by a suspected drone strike in Abu Dhabi on Monday, January 17. 

Confirming the news, India’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sunjay Sudhir, told NDTV, “Our top priority is to find out who these Indians are so that we can reach out to their families and do whatever is necessary.” 

He added that the Indian consulate is “geared to deal with any situation”, requesting the Indian community and those who have friends and family in the UAE to stay calm. “We are trying to find out their identities. We will reach out to their families… Stay calm. The UAE is a very peaceful place.”

Also Read: Two Indians among three dead in Abu Dhabi tanker explosion, fire

The official Twitter account of the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, also shared the development, “UAE authorities have informed that the explosion at Mussafah, near ADNOC’s storage tanks, has led to 3 casualties, which includes 2 Indian nationals. The Mission @IndembAbuDhabi is in close touch with concerned UAE authorities for further details.”

The explosion on three oil tankers in the Mussafah area and a separate fire at an extension of Abu Dhabi international airport are speculated to have been caused by a drone attack. 

The incident killed three and wounded six people. The third person who died has been identified as a Pakistani national, according to the official state news agency WAM.

Also Read: Drone attack may be behind Abu Dhabi tanker explosion, fire

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack. Their military spokesman Yahya Saree told Almasirah TV channel that the group will soon reveal details about ‘a special military operation that was carried out in the heart of the UAE’, reported ANI.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia faces drone and missile attack on oil facilities

It must be noted that the UAE has been at war in Yemen for about six years now. It was also part of the Saudi-led coalition that was responsible for attacks against the Houthis after they ousted the government.

While Abu Dhabi has mostly withdrawn its forces from Yemen, it still continues to support local militias in the country. It also works with the United States in counter-terrorism operations in one of the Arab world’s poorest nations.