Developing

17
Jan 2022
9:52 UTC

UAE Alert: Explosion of three oil tankers reported at Abu Dhabi’s Musaffah area, fire reported at construction site in Abu Dhabi International Airport, during afternoon hours of January 17; avoid nonessential travel

Please be advised:

  • Reports citing the Abu Dhabi Police indicate that fire and subsequent oil tanker explosions were recorded in Abu Dhabi’s Musaffah area during the afternoon hours of January 17. 
  • In addition, reports also indicated that a small fire was recorded at a construction site at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.  
  • The police also reportedly indicated that the incidents were potentially caused by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  
  • No injuries have been reported, as per the time of writing.  
  • During the afternoon hours of January 17, the Yemen-based Houthi spokesperson stated that the group would soon reveal details of a “military operation” in the UAE.

 

Recommendations:

  1. Those operating or residing in Abu Dhabi during the afternoon hours of January 17 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the Musaffah area as well as the Abu Dhabi International Airport due to the reported security incidents at the locales. 
  2. Given the remarks made by the Houthi spokesperson, it is advised to defer travel to strategic civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai for the coming hours, as such sites may be targeted by potential aerial attacks emanating from Yemen. Such facilities could include oil terminals and international airports.  
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Musaffah Area, Abu Dhabi International Airport; UAE
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Please be advised:

  • Reports citing the Abu Dhabi Police indicate that fire and subsequent oil tanker explosions were recorded in Abu Dhabi’s Musaffah area during the afternoon hours of January 17. 
  • In addition, reports also indicated that a small fire was recorded at a construction site at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.  
  • The police also reportedly indicated that the incidents were potentially caused by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  
  • No injuries have been reported, as per the time of writing.  
  • During the afternoon hours of January 17, the Yemen-based Houthi spokesperson stated that the group would soon reveal details of a “military operation” in the UAE.

 

Recommendations:

  1. Those operating or residing in Abu Dhabi during the afternoon hours of January 17 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the Musaffah area as well as the Abu Dhabi International Airport due to the reported security incidents at the locales. 
  2. Given the remarks made by the Houthi spokesperson, it is advised to defer travel to strategic civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai for the coming hours, as such sites may be targeted by potential aerial attacks emanating from Yemen. Such facilities could include oil terminals and international airports.  
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Musaffah Area, Abu Dhabi International Airport; UAE
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible