ALBAWABA – The United Arab Emirates has sharply criticized a statement issued by Saudi Arabia regarding the latest developments in Yemen, saying it includes serious inaccuracies and unfair accusations against Abu Dhabi, according to Al Jazeera.
On Tuesday, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs put out an official statement saying that they are unhappy with the way the Saudis talked about things. They stressed that the Saudi statement included "fundamental inaccuracies." The UAE also strongly rejected any attempts to involve them in the growing conflicts in Yemen.
The ministry said the UAE did not tell or support any group in Yemen to do military actions that would threaten Saudi security and called these claims false. It reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to Saudi Arabia’s security and stability, emphasizing its full respect for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and national security.
The statement says that the UAE's stance has been about containing the situation and backing de-escalation since the start of the unrest in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah. Abu Dhabi reiterated that it was in Yemen at the request of the internationally recognized Yemeni government and as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition. They urged that recent events be dealt with responsibly based on verified facts to stop things from getting worse, Al Jazeera reported.
Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Emirati actions in Yemen as “extremely dangerous” and called on Abu Dhabi to comply with Yemen’s request for the withdrawal of its troops within 24 hours. Riyadh said the moves contradict the principles of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy and accused the UAE of pressuring the Southern Transitional Council to carry out military actions in eastern Yemen.
The Saudi statement reaffirmed the Kingdom’s pledge to Yemen’s security, sovereignty, and stability, as well as its full support for the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council. It also warned that any threat to Saudi security would be considered a red line, while reiterating that the southern problem can only be resolved through dialogue.
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions on the ground, following Yemeni demands for the withdrawal of Emirati troops and military actions by the coalition in the port of Mukalla, signaling a new and sensitive phase in the Yemen conflict.
