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Rabat – Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, led by Rashad al-Alimi, has ordered all United Arab Emirates (UAE) forces to leave the country within 24 hours. The move comes after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) recently seized control of eastern provinces, including Hadramout and al-Mahra.
Al-Alimi also announced the cancellation of the joint defence agreement with the UAE, declared a 72-hour air, land, and sea blockade on all ports and crossings, and imposed a 90-day state of emergency.
The STC, which seeks independence for southern Yemen, has refused to withdraw its forces, calling the Saudi-led strikes on the port of Mukalla a “blatant attack” and describing the UAE as an ally.
Saudi Arabia has expressed serious concerns over the UAE’s support for the STC, calling it a threat to its national security and regional stability. The Saudi-led coalition carried out air strikes targeting weapons and vehicles sent from the UAE to STC forces at Mukalla port.
Yemen’s National Defence Council, meeting in Saudi Arabia, supported al-Alimi’s decisions and called on the UAE to respect Yemen’s sovereignty.
The council also described the STC’s recent military moves as a rebellion that benefits the Houthis, which controls large parts of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.
The UAE must “refrain from interfering in Yemen’s internal affairs, and cease all military and logistical support for any formations operating outside the framework of the state,”the council said.
Local authorities in Hadramout have expressed willingness to cooperate with the central government to ensure a smooth transfer of military responsibilities and prevent violence.
Meanwhile, international observers, including China, have urged all parties to uphold Yemen’s unity and resolve disputes through dialogue.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Raiman al-Hamdani, a Yemeni analyst, warns the situation could escalate into further conflict, potentially affecting the relatively calm eastern provinces and worsening the humanitarian situation in the country.
