UAE intercepts, destroys three hostile drones claimed by Iraqi group

The Defense Ministry in the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted and destroyed three hostile drones that penetrated the Gulf country's airspace over unpopulated areas early Wednesday morning.

Righteous Promise Brigades, an Iraqi-based militant group, took responsibility for the attack on the UAE.

#Breaking an Iraqi-based group the "Righteous Promise Brigades" claims to have carried out an attack against Abu Dhabi with a number of drones pic.twitter.com/J8KIOyss6b

— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) February 2, 2022

The ministry added that it is taking "all necessary measures to protect the state and its territory."

The Gulf state has been the target of several ballistic missiles and drone attacks over the past month, all claimed by the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran.

On Sunday night, during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's official visit, Emirati air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis over Abu Dhabi. In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched a series of intense airstrikes early Monday morning on Sana’a, Yemen’s capital.

Syrian air defenses were also activated in response to an alleged Israeli missile barrage targeting the vicinity of the capital Damascus, hours after the attack on Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan arrives at Downing Street, London, Britain, September 16, 2021. (credit: REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY)

In January, three people were killed and six were injured in a drone attack on the UAE.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States said it is sending fighter jets to assist the Emirates following the missile attacks.

This is a developing story.