Saudi Arabia has called on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, in accordance with the demands of the Yemeni government, and to immediately stop providing any military or financial support to any party.
In a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was said that negotiations are the only solution to achieving peace in Yemen. The statement described the UAE’s pressure on the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council to push it toward military actions as regrettable, warning that such moves pose a threat to Saudi national security, the peace of the Republic of Yemen, and the stability of the entire region.
Saudi Arabia stated that these actions are not consistent with the principles of the Arab Coalition formed to support the Yemeni government. Any threat to national security, or any attempt to undermine it, will be considered a red line, and Saudi Arabia will not hesitate to take any necessary steps to counter such threats.
The Kingdom expressed full solidarity with the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and its government, reaffirming its continued and complete support for Yemen’s peace, stability, and sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia further noted that the southern issue in Yemen has deep historical and social dimensions, and that its resolution is only possible through a comprehensive political process at the negotiating table. Such negotiations should include all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council. The Kingdom reiterated its demand that the UAE withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, in line with the Yemeni government’s request, and immediately halt all military and financial support to any party.
According to Saudi Arabia, wisdom, brotherhood, and good neighborly relations will be prioritized, along with strengthening ties among member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
It is noteworthy that the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, has announced the decision to cancel the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
Yemen Announces Termination of Defense Agreement with the UAE
According to Arab media reports, Rashad Al-Alimi stated that all UAE forces present in Yemen must leave the country within 24 hours.
He further said that a complete air, land, and sea blockade would be imposed on all Yemeni ports and land and maritime crossings for 72 hours.
Media reports indicate that these orders from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council came at a time when the Saudi-led military coalition carried out limited air operations in Yemen, during which the port of Mukalla was targeted.
