The MediaLine news reports that the move, a very important signal of US support, may not be enough to deter the Houthi movement from attacking Gulf states

The US Pentagon announced Tuesday that it would be deploy the USS Cole missile destroyer to the United Arab Emirates in response to recent Houthi attacks against Abu Dhabi.

In recent weeks, the Houthi rebels based in Yemen have launched cross-border missile and drone attacks aimed at targets in the Gulf. The attacks, which led to a number of civilian casualties, were condemned by the US. Saudi Arabia and the UAE responded with airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, further raising the stakes.

The last attack came Monday during the historic visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the UAE.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in the announcement on Tuesday said that a “range of actions” was being considered in order to show US support for the UAE. Fifth-generation fighter aircraft also were to be deployed, according to the statement.

Austin voiced his “strong condemnation of these attacks and his commitment to the US-UAE strategic partnership.”

The Houthi movement aims to oust the current leadership in Yemen, which the rebels accuse of being corrupt and backed by Saudi Arabia and the US. The years-long civil war has led to the involvement of the Saudis, Emiratis and the US. Backed by Iran, the Houthis are perceived by the Gulf states, Israel and other members of the international community as a destabilizing force in the region.