France decides to provide military support to UAE

SANAA,  Feb. 04 (YPA) – French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parley announced on Friday her country’s intention to provide military support to ensure the security of the UAE’s airspace after being bombed  by Yemeni strikes.

The United Arab Emirates was the victim of serious attacks on its territory in January. In order to show our solidarity with this friendly country, France has decided to provide military support, in particular to protect their airspace against any intrusion, Florence Parley said in tweet on Friday.

She added, “ Rafale fighter jets, which belong to our permanent military base in Abu Dhabi, are thus engaged alongside the UAE armed forces in surveillance, detection and interception missions when necessary..

The UAE has returned to the Yemeni field through escalation in Shabwah and Marib provinces, supporting forces from al-Qaeda and Salafists, as well as providing heavy armed, financial and air support.

The Yemeni strikes have greatly shaken the stability of the UAE, prompting distress calls for help and protection.

The UAE recently bought some 60 French Rafale aircraft in the biggest arms deal between the two countries, and the deal was seen as a US gift to Paris following the submarine crisis.

E.M