While details are still emerging, there was a deadly explosion at Abu Dhabi Airport today, which Yemen’s Houthi rebels are claiming responsibility for.
Three dead after Abu Dhabi explosion & fire
Three oil tankers exploded today at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), killing at least three people and wounding at least six people. The three dead have been identified as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani national, while there are no further details about those who have been injured — my thoughts are with all of the victims and their families.
Authorities are now investigating the incident, and while they haven’t offered any suspects, Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack. In fairness, they’ve claimed responsibility for some attacks in the past that Emirati officials claim never took place.
Officials in Abu Dhabi state that a preliminary investigation indicated that there were small flying objects (believed to be drones) that fell in the areas that caused the explosion and fire. Police have described the fire as “minor,” and also claim that there’s “no significant damage” from the incident.
The incident is said to have taken place near the extension of the international airport, so it sounds to me like this might have been near the new Midfield Terminal, which has been under construction for years (and it’s anyone’s guess if or when it actually opens). If there’s any silver lining, at least this didn’t happen near the active airport terminal, where the death count could have been much higher.
While some flights were initially delayed following the incident, the airport is once again accepting arrivals and departures as usual, so it doesn’t look like there will be any long-term impacts on operations from this. Below are some videos of the incident.
Bottom line
There was a fire and explosion at Abu Dhabi Airport today, tragically leading to three deaths and six injuries. Initial reports suggest that oil tankers were targeted, and that it may have been a drone attack. Yemen’s Houthi rebels are taking credit for the attack, though it remains to be seen if that’s verified.
The UAE has a tendency to not be terribly transparent and to downplay events like this, so I’m curious to see if we ever fully learn what happens. For example, authorities are describing the fire as “minor.” While I’m no fire expert, the video footage makes the fire look pretty significant…
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