The United States will deploy 5th generation fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates to assist against Houthi attacks.
Following a discussion with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin condemned the recent Houthi attacks against the UAE. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties and threatened US forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base.
The Pentagon chief did not specify whether the fighters would be F-35 Lightning IIs or F-22 Raptors but said they would be “a clear signal that the United States stands with the UAE as a long-standing strategic partner”. In addition, the US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Cole will also be sent into the region.
On January 17, 2022, a drone attack carried out by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement near Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) killed three civilians. On January 30, 2022, a ballistic missile was intercepted by UAE forces while Israeli President Isaac Herzog was on an official visit to Abu Dhabi.
