US uses missile interceptors to thwart Houthi attack on UAE

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US forces stationed at a base near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), used multiple Patriot missile batteries to intercept missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels, the military confirmed on Monday.

The Houthi attack was the second in a week as a Saudi-led coalition, of which the UAE is a part, ramps up its military campaign against the rebel group.

The US forces, stationed at al-Dhafra Air Base, "engaged two inbound missile threats with multiple Patriot interceptors coincident to efforts by the armed forces of the UAE in the early morning hours of Jan. 24, 2022," Central Command spokesman Capt. Bill Urban said in a statement.

"The combined efforts successfully prevented both missiles from impacting the base. There were no U.S. casualties," he said. "U.S. forces at Al Dhafra remain vigilant and ready to respond in case of any follow-on attacks."

There are roughly 2,000 US service members at al-Dhafra.

The Houthis, who overran much of Yemen in 2014, regularly carry out rocket and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, and, beginning last week, on the UAE, saying they are in retaliation for the Saudi-led coalition's assault on Yemen.

The seven-year conflict in Yemen has created one of the world's worst man-made humanitarian crises, with nearly 80% of the country, or about 30 million people, in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. Over 13 million people are in danger of starvation, according to UN estimates.