Saudi Arabia Demands UAE Withdraw Troops from Yemen Within 24 Hours After Port Strike

Saudi Arabia has demanded that the UAE withdraw Emirati troops from Yemen within 24 hours, in compliance with Yemen’s request, after an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen targeted weapons and military vehicles coming from the United Arab Emirates.

The statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry came at a time when the Saudi-led coalition carried out a “limited airstrike” targeting the port of Mukalla in Yemen, where, according to Saudi Arabia, weapons and military vehicles were being unloaded by the United Arab Emirates without permission.

#Statement | Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern… pic.twitter.com/lTyU0gLgpf

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) December 30, 2025

It should be noted that the UAE supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the ongoing civil war in Yemen, and this group has strengthened its position by advancing into areas of Yemen in recent days. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia opposes the STC and supports the established government in Yemen.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, expressed concern over the rising tensions in Yemen, saying that the United Arab Emirates’ provision of military support to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a threat to the national security of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry added in its statement that the UAE’s actions “go against the principles of the alliance” and have harmed efforts to establish peace in Yemen.

According to the statement, “Saudi Arabia is disappointed by the actions of the United Arab Emirates, which have put pressure on the forces of the Southern Transitional Council and led to military operations in the provinces of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra on the southern borders of the kingdom. These actions are considered a threat to the national security of Saudi Arabia and the peace and stability of Yemen and the region.”

The statement said that “the steps taken by the United Arab Emirates are extremely dangerous and no threat will be tolerated and all necessary measures will be taken if necessary to eliminate such threats.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Saudi Arabia reiterated its commitment to protecting Yemen’s sovereignty, security, and unity and always stressed that the only solution to the crisis is “a political dialogue between the Yemeni leadership that includes all parties, including the STC.”