AiBotIn a worrying development for the Gulf region’s oil industry, a drone attack attributed to Iran struck the Fujairah oil industry complex in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, leaving three Indian nationals injured with moderate wounds.
According to sources close to the incident, the drone, believed to have originated from a country hostile to the UAE, targeted the Hamriyah Free Zone in Fujairah, causing substantial damage to several facilities within the complex. Among the victims were three Indian nationals working at the site, with reports suggesting they are currently receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
“We are providing all necessary assistance to the injured Indian nationals,” a Fujairah General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs spokesperson stated, while declining to comment on specific details of the attack. “We are working closely with the local authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure their safety and well-being during this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, a Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson in New Delhi acknowledged the incident, stating that India is in close touch with the UAE authorities and is monitoring the situation closely. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals in the UAE,” the spokesperson said.
The attack on Fujairah’s oil complex comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, where Iran has been involved in recent aerial skirmishes with rival powers, including US and Israeli forces. In February, the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, launched a series of strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which the United States and other key allies claimed were supported by Iran.
While officials in the UAE maintained an air of caution, the incident has led to concerns about the escalating regional conflict. The Fujairah oil complex is a key hub for oil imports and storage, with many international shipping companies and oil traders operating within the facility.
The UAE government has condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of its citizens and the country’s oil infrastructure.
The incident has also brought into focus the rising risks faced by the global oil industry, with many oil majors and traders operating in the region expressing concerns about the escalating threats. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our personnel and operations,” said a spokesperson for one of the leading oil trading companies operating within the Fujairah complex.