Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Mar 16: A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone struck and ignited a fuel tank, authorities in the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday.

Video footage circulating online showed flames and thick smoke rising from an area close to the airport following the suspected drone strike. Officials confirmed that the incident led to the temporary suspension of flight operations at the airport.

Emergency teams from the civil defence department rushed to the spot and launched firefighting operations. Authorities later said the blaze had been brought under control.

Officials are assessing the damage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the drone attack. No immediate reports of casualties have been released.

Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs, and the temporary halt in flights caused disruptions to air traffic. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue.