UAE bans drones after attack on oil facility, airport

The United Arab Emirates has banned the flying of drones after a fatal attack on an oil facility and airport, The Associated Press reported. 

The UAE’s interior ministry reportedly said in a statement on Saturday that drone hobbyists and other operators will face “legal liabilities” if caught flying drones, although exemptions will be offered to film companies. 

The government has already restricted drones in residential areas and at airports, the AP noted, adding that hobbyists must obtain a certificate from civil aviation authorities. 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack on the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi last week in which three civilians were killed and several tankers caught fire. 

The UAE noted that authorities intercepted some of the launches. 

In response, the UAE’s military forces conducted attacks on the rebel-held parts of Yemen last week, the AP reported.