The United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided over the weekend to ban the use of recreational drones and light sports aircraft following recent attacks at an oil facility and airport.
As The Verge reports, the ban was confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Interior on Saturday, explaining the decision was made due to “the misuse spotted recently, not limiting the practice of these sports to the areas identified in the user permits and trespassing into areas where these types of activities are prohibited.” The ban came into force on Sunday.
The misuse, according to APNews, involved Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting an oil facility in Abu Dhabi using explosives attached to drones. The attack managed to set three transport tankers on fire, killed three men, and injured six more people. A second drone attack occurred at Abu Dhabi International Airport and resulted in a fire, but “no significant damage.”
The US is now working with the UAE on a reponse to the attack, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating, “we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory.” Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attacks carried out at the two locations were, “prohibited by international law,” but is keen for the situation not to escalate.
By banning the use of drones, it should be easier for the UAE Ministry of Interior to quickly react to further attacks as any drones spotted in the air are now illegal.
