Sanaa: Yemen's presidential council stated on Thursday that the termination of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) military presence does not signify a severance in the relationship between the two nations. Rashd al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, emphasized during a meeting with his advisers that the decision aims to realign the efforts of the Saudi-led coalition to ensure no support is provided to entities outside the state.
According to Anadolu Agency, Alimi clarified that the move does not represent a break in relations or negate the history of cooperation and shared interests between Yemen and the UAE. This statement comes after Alimi, on Tuesday, annulled a joint defense agreement with the UAE, demanding the withdrawal of Emirati forces from Yemen within 24 hours and declaring a 90-day state of emergency. This decision was prompted by perceived attempts to divide the nation.
Tensions have escalated following the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a prominent separatist group, taking control of the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra after confrontations with government forces. These regions constitute nearly half of Yemen's land area. Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of instigating STC forces to conduct military actions along its southern border in these areas, allegations the UAE has denied, reaffirming its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security.
The UAE's Defense Ministry later announced the completion of its counterterrorism mission in Yemen, noting its military presence officially ended in 2019 as part of the Saudi-led coalition.
Alimi reiterated that the recent actions were not intended as acts of escalation or retribution but were necessary legal and ethical measures to protect Yemeni citizens. He cautioned against any attempts to undermine these decisions.
Furthermore, Abdullah Al-Alimi, a member of the presidential council, urged the STC to refrain from inciting further unrest or escalating the situation. In a post on the social media platform X, Abdullah emphasized the possibility of reducing tensions and preventing violence through meaningful withdrawal from Hadramaut and Al-Mahra. He warned that opening a new conflict front in Yemen would adversely affect the country's already strained economic and social conditions, exacerbating the suffering of the population.
The STC has persistently claimed marginalization by successive governments in the southern regions, advocating for separation from the north. However, Yemeni authorities reject these claims, asserting the importance of maintaining the country's territorial integrity.