F-22 U.S. fighter jets arrived in the UAE on Saturday as part of a U.S. response to the recent missile strikes by Yemeni Houthi rebels attacking the UAE.

The F-22 Raptor planes arrived at the Dafra air base in Abu Dhabi, where about 2,000 American soldiers are currently serving.

At the time of the Houthi attack last month, U.S.-based patriotic missiles fired "Patriot" missiles, the first time U.S. forces have fired such missiles in combat conditions since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

U.S. officials declined to disclose the number of F-22s deployed, as well as the number of pilots who will serve alongside the air force to ensure continuous operational activity.

However, they identified the unit involved as the No. 1 Combat Division permanently located at the Ngali-Austis joint base in Virginia.

"The Raptor's presence enhances the defenses of partner countries, which are strong anyway, and makes it clear to forces trying to undermine stability in the region that the United States and its partners are committed to peace and sustainable stability in the region," said Lieutenant General Greg Gilio Gillow.

The deployment of fighter jets comes after the Iran-backed Houthis launched three attacks on Abu Dhabi last month, including an attack on a fuel depot that killed three people and wounded six.

The attacks took place in parallel with the visits of the presidents of South Korea and Israel to the United Arab Emirates.

A mysterious Iraqi militia claimed to have attacked the UAE in early February using a UAV, even though authorities claim it was intercepted.

Although the Ukrainian crisis overshadowed missile launches towards the UAE, recent developments have led to widespread American response. The U.S. military has sent the U.S. destroyer "Cole" on a mission to Abu Dhabi.

The years-long expansion of the war in Yemen to the United Arab Emirates puts U.S. forces on target for Houthi attacks, and increases the risk of a regional escalation at a crucial moment in talks in Vienna aimed at reviving the Iranian nuclear deal with world powers.