UAE Rejects Yemen-Related Allegations, Expresses Disappointment Over Saudi Statement

**Islamabad:** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rejected all allegations related to Yemen and expressed disappointment over the statement issued by Saudi Arabia regarding the situation in the war-torn country.

Saudi Arabia had called on the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours in line with the Yemeni government’s demand and to immediately cease any military or financial support to any party. In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that dialogue is the only viable solution for peace in Yemen, accusing the UAE of pressuring the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to carry out actions that pose a threat to Saudi national security, Yemen’s stability, and the wider region.

Responding to the Saudi statement, the UAE said it was disappointed by the remarks and categorically rejected all allegations concerning its role in Yemen. The UAE clarified that ships anchored at the Mukalla port were not carrying weapons, stating that the vessels were meant for Emirati forces and not for any Yemeni group.

The UAE emphasized that recent developments in Yemen should be handled responsibly and cautioned against further escalation. In its statement, Abu Dhabi said the current situation should not be allowed to deteriorate further, adding that the Saudi-led coalition’s attack in Yemen came as a surprise.

Meanwhile, Arab media reports said that Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi has announced the cancellation of the joint defense agreement with the UAE. He reportedly ordered all UAE forces stationed in Yemen to leave the country within 24 hours.

Al-Alimi also announced a complete air, land, and sea blockade of all Yemeni ports and crossings for 72 hours. According to media reports, these developments came after the Saudi-led military coalition carried out limited airstrikes in Yemen, targeting the Mukalla port.