The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has warned Indians living in the United Arab Emirates against taking photos or recording videos of locations where incidents occurred, and not to upload or circulate such photos on digital or social media platforms as the war rages in the Middle East amid tensions between the United States, which is supported by Israel, and Iran.
Iran responded to the US-Israeli air strikes by launching hundreds of missiles and drones towards its Arab neighbors. The attacks targeted US military bases in those countries, as well as energy infrastructure. Follow live updates of Dubai-UAE here.
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What does the consultation say?
The mission said in a statement that the authorities in the UAE warned of taking strict measures against anyone participating in unauthorized photography of accident sites, prohibited areas, or inside airports.
To ensure their safety and avoid legal consequences, all Indian citizens have been advised to strictly follow the below mentioned procedures by the Embassy:
- When you hear a warning alert, immediately go to a safe place and stay there until the warning alert for your area is lifted. Don’t try to go out to take photos or record videos.
- Strictly avoid sharing or disseminating photos of accident sites, including damage caused by projectiles or shrapnel, via digital media platforms or social media.
- If fragments fall or suspicious objects are discovered in your surroundings, notify the relevant authorities immediately to enable them to deal with the situation safely and quickly. Please stay away from the site and do not approach or touch any part of it.
- Do not take photographs or record videos inside the airport during arrival or departure.
- “In view of the current regional situation, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi urges all Indian citizens residing in or visiting the UAE to strictly adhere to the local laws and safety guidelines issued by the UAE authorities,” she said.
War rages in the Middle East
The Gulf states are now at the heart of the confrontation between the United States and Iran. Tehran is attacking US military bases in Arab countries in response to the US-Israeli strikes that also resulted in the killing of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said they intercepted Iranian attacks overnight Sunday. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have also begun to reduce oil production as the vital Strait of Hormuz approaches closure. About a fifth of global energy exports pass through this route.
Iran’s attacks continued even after its president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said he had ordered the military not to strike any country that did not attack the Islamic Republic and apologized to neighboring countries.
Trump said the statement amounted to surrender. But Tehran continued its strikes.
With input from agencies
