31.12.2025 06:30
Saudi Arabia called on the United Arab Emirates to withdraw its troops from Yemen within 24 hours at the request of Yemen and to cease its support for armed groups. Following the escalating tensions, the United Arab Emirates announced that it had voluntarily disbanded its counter-terrorism teams operating in Yemen.
The Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, which supports the legitimate government in Yemen, announced that it has carried out a "limited military operation" targeting some weapons and military vehicles at the Mukalla Port, controlled by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Hadhramaut.
"A LIMITED MILITARY OPERATION HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT"
In a report by the Saudi official agency SPA, the statement of Arab Coalition Spokesperson Turki al-Maliki regarding the issue was included. Maliki stated, "The coalition air forces conducted a limited military operation targeting weapons and military vehicles unloaded from two ships at Yemen's Mukalla Port in the morning hours."
The Arab Coalition Spokesperson noted that the operation was carried out following a request from the President of the Yemeni Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, for all necessary military measures to be taken by coalition forces to protect civilians in Hadhramaut and Mahra provinces. Maliki also mentioned that the two ships arrived at Mukalla Port from the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without official permission from the Arab Coalition Command.
SAUDI ARABIA'S ULTIMATUM
Following the developments, Saudi Arabia called on the United Arab Emirates to withdraw its troops from Yemen within 24 hours and to cease its support for armed groups in line with Yemen's request.
YEMEN CANCELS JOINT DEFENSE AGREEMENT
It was announced that Yemen has canceled its joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to a report by the Yemeni official agency SABA, this decision was made by the President of the Presidential Council and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Rashad al-Alimi.
According to the decision to cancel the joint defense agreement with the UAE, all UAE forces and personnel must withdraw from all Yemeni territories within 24 hours. Additionally, the Homeland Shield Forces were requested to mobilize and take over all military camps in Hadhramaut and Mahra provinces. No official statement has yet been made by the UAE regarding this matter. The Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, which supports the legitimate government in Yemen, had announced that it conducted a "limited military operation" targeting some weapons and military vehicles at the Mukalla Port, controlled by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Hadhramaut.
UAE'S STRIKING MOVE AFTER HISTORICAL STANDOFF
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it has voluntarily dissolved its counter-terrorism teams operating in Yemen following the tensions with Saudi Arabia. In a written statement from the UAE Ministry of Defense, it was stated that the remaining elements of the counter-terrorism teams in Yemen were terminated in coordination with the relevant partners to ensure their safety.
The statement reminded that the UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 to support the "legitimate government" in Yemen, contribute to "international counter-terrorism efforts," and ensure the country's security and stability. The statement highlighted the efforts of the UAE Armed Forces during this process, noting that the military presence in Yemen was concluded after the completion of the official missions assigned in 2019.
Nevertheless, it was reported that "a limited number of expert teams are still present in the country as part of counter-terrorism efforts and in coordination with international partners," and it was stated that the missions of these teams have now also been completed. The Ministry of Defense argued that the decision was made as a result of a comprehensive assessment of the current stage's requirements and is consistent with the UAE's commitments to support the security and stability of the region.