Sanaa, Yemen – In a dramatic turn of events, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced the annulment of the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. Citing rapidly deteriorating security conditions, al-Alimi demanded the immediate withdrawal of all UAE forces from Yemeni soil within 24 hours.
In a televised address, al-Alimi stated that Yemen could no longer afford to open new fronts of conflict, emphasizing that the strength of the Yemeni state relies on the support of the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia. He alleged that the UAE’s role in Yemen had become ‘directed against the Yemeni people.’
Al-Alimi accused the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of refusing to engage in dialogue and address grievances within constitutional frameworks. He pointed to the alleged shipment of weapons from Fujairah to STC forces as a ‘dangerous escalation’ threatening stability in the eastern governorates.
The Yemeni leader also announced the imposition of a comprehensive air, sea, and land blockade for 72 hours, alongside a 90-day state of emergency, extendable, with exemptions for the Arab Coalition. He ordered ‘Nation Shield’ forces to deploy and take control of military camps in Hadramout and al-Mahra governorates, granting the governors broad powers to manage local affairs.
Al-Alimi firmly rejected the exploitation of the Southern issue to disrupt constitutional institutions, declaring that Yemeni blood was a ‘red line.’ He affirmed that the Presidential Leadership Council remains the sole constitutional framework for resolving disputes and criticized the STC’s behavior as ‘unacceptable rebellion’, asserting that no party has the right to exploit the Southern cause for illegitimate political gains. Further measures to protect civilians are expected to be announced shortly.
This is a developing story. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
