UAE dismisses threats by Houthi rebels

Rebel leader's claim that missiles could hit UAE reveals "the desperation of their fragmented illusions", says Dr Anwar Gargash

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash says Yemeni rebels' threats against the UAE and Saudi Arabia are 'delusional'. Neil Hall / Reuters / July 17, 2017

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Friday dismissed threats to attack the UAE by the Houthi rebel leader, saying they showed why it was necessary for the Saudi-led coalition to intervene in Yemen.

"We are not afraid of the threats imposed by the Houthis," Dr Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. "It reveals the desperation of their fragmented illusions and their intentions for the Arabian Gulf's security."

The Houthi rebel leader Abdel Al Malik Al Houthi threatened on Thursday to fire missiles at the UAE and to attack Saudi tankers in the Red Sea.

"The UAE is now within range of our missiles", he told the rebel-controlled Al Masirah TV station.

Dr Gargash said the rebel leader's statements "prove the necessity of Operation Decisive Storm in the region, and the dangers posed by the Iranian-backed militias".

The operation was launched after "realising the dangers of the shift in the region's strategic balance", Dr Gargash said. "The Arab alliance is fighting an important battle for the future of the region."

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also called for unity among Arab states, saying "the challenges we are facing requires an increase in Arab solidarity".

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