UAE bans recreational drone usage following attack that killed 2 Indians
- UAE said drone users would face "legal liabilities" if caught flying
- Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the incident
- Earlier, people were required to get permits to use a drone in UAE
The United Arab Emirates has restricted the recreational flying of drones in the country nearly a week after a deadly drone attack killed at least three people and injured several others. Two Indians died in the attack in Abu Dhabi on January 17.
As of Saturday, drone hobbyists and other operators of light electric sports aircraft face “legal liabilities” if caught flying the objects, the Interior Ministry said, adding it may grant exemptions to businesses seeking to film, according to reports from Associated Press.
A rare drone and missile strike on the capital of Abu Dhabi blew up several fuel tankers and killed three people last week. Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the incident.
The mortal remains of the two Indian individuals– Hardev Singh and Hardeep Singh– were received on Friday in Punjab. Both the individuals, in addition to one Pakistan man, were employees of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Also See: In Pics | Satellite images show aftermath of Abu Dhabi drone attack site
The Houthis, who hold Yemen’s capital and have fought a bloody, yearslong war with a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the UAE, claimed the assault. While the UAE has largely withdrawn troops from the stalemated conflict, the country continues to be a major player and support local militias on the ground.
The United Arab Emirates said the Houthis targeted the country with bomb-laden drones and cruise and ballistic missiles, adding the country had intercepted some of the projectiles.
In response to the strike, the Saudi-led coalition has escalated attacks on the rebel-held parts of Yemen in the last week, according to reports from Associated Press.
The permit to fly a drone in the United Arab Emirates was already a process requiring a multi-layer clearance. Government regulations restricted flying drones in residential areas and airports. A user must obtain a certificate from the civil aviation authorities.
(With AP inputs)
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