UAE Calls for Security Council Meeting after Houthi Attacks

A general view of Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
A general view of Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
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UAE Calls for Security Council Meeting after Houthi Attacks

A general view of Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
A general view of Abu Dhabi. (AFP)

The United Arab Emirates called on Tuesday the United Nations Security Council to convene in wake of the terrorist attacks carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen against Abu Dhabi on Monday.

In a letter to Norway, the Council President for January, it condemned the Houthis for targeting civilians and civilian locations in in flagrant violation of international law. It called on the Council to unequivocally condemn the Houthi attacks.

"This illegal and alarming escalation is a further step in the Houthi efforts to spread terrorism and chaos in our region," said Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE, according to the state news agency (WAM).

"It is another attempt by the Houthis, using the capabilities they have unlawfully acquired in defiance of UN sanctions, to threaten peace and security. The UAE calls on the Security Council to speak with one voice and join in firmly and unequivocally condemning these terrorist attacks, which were launched in complete disregard of international law," she added.

On Monday, Houthi militias targeted the Musaffah ICAD 3 area and the new construction area at Abu Dhabi International Airport, both of which are civilian infrastructure.

The attacks, which led to the explosion of three petroleum tankers, killed two Indian civilians and one Pakistani civilian and injured six other civilians. The Houthis confirmed responsibility for the attacks.



Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Meteorology Warns of Heavy Rain in Makkah

Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)
Worshippers are seen at the Grand Mosque in Makkah amid rainfall. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned on Friday of heavy rains in Makkah and Al-Jumum Governorate including the centers of Rahat and Madrakah.

The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, torrents, and thunderstorms.

It said the weather conditions will continue until Friday night.

Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with other government agencies working in the Grand Mosque, intensified cleaning and drying of the Mataf area (circumambulation track) after the rainfall witnessed in Makkah on Thursday to ensure the safety and security of worshippers and Umrah performers.

The authority mobilized more than 200 supervisors and observers, 4,000 workers, and more than 500 pieces of equipment to deal with the rain.

To ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning process, water suction and washing equipment were strategically distributed both inside and outside the Grand Mosque.