Pakistan condemns ‘foiled’ Houthi attack on UAE

Pakistan has strongly condemned the launching of a missile from Al-Jawf, Yemen, by the Houthis rebels towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Foreign Office said in a statement on Monday.

“It is commendable that the missile was successfully intercepted by the air defence system of the UAE, preventing loss of innocent lives,” read the communiqué.

Islamabad termed the Houthi attacks as a grave violation of international law and a serious threat to regional peace and security and called for their “immediate cessation”.

“Pakistan reaffirms its solidarity with the brotherly people and government of the United Arab Emirates,” it added.

Also read: UAE foils Houthi attack as Israeli president visits

A senior Emirati official described the attacks as "useless" provocations that would be dealt with to safeguard national security and sovereignty. "Those who test the UAE are mistaken," the official, Anwar Gargash, said in a Twitter post.

The UAE defence ministry said the missile was intercepted 20 minutes past midnight and that its debris fell on an uninhabited area. It did not say whether it was aimed at Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

It came as Israel's president was visiting Abu Dhabi where he discussed security and bilateral relations with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Houthis, who have repeatedly carried out missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, have warned they will continue targeting the UAE unless it stopped "interfering" in Yemen.

(With input from Reuters)