Yemen Cancels Joint Defense Pact With UAE

Orders Withdrawal of Emirati Forces / Photo File (X/@MowliidHaji)

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad al-Alimi has officially announced the cancellation of a joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates, ordering all Emirati military forces to leave Yemeni territory within 24 hours.

According to Arab media reports, Al-Alimi stated that the decision would be implemented immediately, stressing that Yemen’s sovereignty and national security required urgent action. He warned that no delay or exception would be accepted in the withdrawal of UAE troops.

In a further escalation, the PLC chief announced a comprehensive air, land, and sea blockade across all Yemeni ports and border routes for a period of 72 hours. He said the temporary lockdown was necessary to safeguard the country’s security and maintain control over strategic locations.

The announcement comes amid rising regional tensions following limited air operations carried out by a Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, during which the port city of Mukalla was reportedly targeted. Observers fear these developments could further destabilize the region.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also urged the United Arab Emirates to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours. Riyadh has expressed growing concern over Abu Dhabi’s role in the conflict.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the UAE’s recent actions as “extremely dangerous,” accusing it of supporting separatist groups in Yemen. The ministry said such moves pose a direct threat to Saudi national security.

The statement added that continued support for separatist forces could undermine peace not only in Yemen, but across the wider region, warning of serious consequences if tensions continue to rise.