The United Arab Emirates has announced it will withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen following a Saudi-backed demand for their departure within 24 hours.
The decision came after a Saudi-led coalition carried out an air strike on the southern port of Mukalla, citing a suspected weapons shipment for UAE-backed separatists.
The UAE denied the shipment contained weapons and expressed deep regret over Saudi Arabia’s accusations.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, long-time allies against the Iran-backed Houthi movement, have seen tensions rise due to rival Yemeni factions they support.
Saudi officials accused the UAE of pressuring the Southern Transitional Council to attack government forces in eastern Yemen.
The UAE defence ministry said it was ending its counterterrorism presence voluntarily due to concerns over mission safety and effectiveness.
Yemen’s presidential council ordered UAE forces to leave and cancelled a joint defence pact, declaring a 90-day state of emergency.
The decision was taken in the interest of safeguarding the security of all citizens and Yemen’s unity.
Rashad al-Alimi said.
The STC rejected the withdrawal order, insisting the UAE remains a key partner against the Houthis.
Saudi Arabia warned it would confront what it called highly dangerous actions threatening regional security.
The conflict in Yemen, which escalated in 2015, has killed more than 150,000 people and caused a severe humanitarian crisis.