Officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stated that a drone struck an oil storage tank at Dubai International Airport early this morning, causing a large fire. While the incident resulted in no casualties, it forced the airport to halt operations and led to traffic blockades in the surrounding area.
Many passengers awaiting flights were evacuated to lower floors. A witness at the airport commented, "The past few weeks have been difficult with frequent explosions, but attacks are happening right before I can fly home."
The fire erupted after a UAV struck an oil storage tank at Dubai airport on 16/3. Video: *Al Jazeera*
Two witnesses reported that a thick column of black smoke continued to rise from the direction of Dubai International Airport for several hours. Dubai officials later announced the fire was under control, and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority permitted a gradual restoration of some flights to selected destinations.
This marks the third attack targeting Dubai airport since the Middle East conflict erupted on 28/2.
The Middle East has been embroiled in conflict since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on 28/2. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and UAVs into Israeli territory, at United States bases in the Middle East, and against critical energy infrastructure in several Gulf nations.
A Reuters reporter on a flight from Rome to Dubai stated that due to security concerns, their aircraft had to divert suddenly, landing in the inland city of Al Ain. In the emirate of Fujairah in eastern UAE, a drone attack targeting oil infrastructure also caused a fire.
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Location of Iran and other countries in the Middle East region. Graphic: *Guardian*
Iran has launched over 1,900 missiles and drones targeting UAE territory, exceeding the number directed at other nations in the region. To date, the UAE has reported 7 fatalities, including 5 civilians and 2 military personnel.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously accused that many missiles attacking Kharg Island were launched from the UAE, but UAE officials denied this.
By Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
