UAE rejects Saudi Arabia’s statement on Yemen

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed disappointment over Saudi Arabia’s recent statement about Yemen and has strongly rejected all allegations.

Saudi Arabia asked the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, as demanded by the Yemeni government. Saudi authorities also called on the UAE to immediately stop all military and financial support to any group in Yemen.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said that talks are the only solution for peace in Yemen. It added that pressuring Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council to take action is regrettable and poses a threat to Saudi national security, Yemen’s peace, and the stability of the entire region.

In response, the UAE said it was disappointed by Saudi Arabia’s statement and rejected all accusations related to Yemen. The UAE clarified that ships anchored at Mukalla port were not carrying weapons. It said the ships were meant for Emirati forces, not for any Yemeni group.

The UAE also said the recent situation in Yemen should be handled responsibly and warned against increasing tensions. It described the Saudi-led allied forces’ attack in Yemen as surprising.

Meanwhile, Yemen announced the end of its defence agreement with the UAE. According to Arab media reports, Yemeni Presidential Council head Rashad Al-Alimi said all UAE forces must leave Yemen within 24 hours.

He also announced a complete air, land, and sea blockade on all Yemeni ports and routes for 72 hours. These orders were issued after the Saudi-led military coalition carried out limited air strikes in Yemen, targeting the Mukalla port.

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