The UAE rejected accusations of involvement in the escalation of tensions in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) categorically rejects Saudi Arabia's accusations of allegedly putting pressure on the separatists of the Southern Transitional Council (UPC) and encouraging military operations near the kingdom's borders. This was stated on December 30 in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic.

The ministry indicated that the UAE is not involved in attempts to draw them into the tension between the Yemeni parties.

"The UAE <...> expresses its bewilderment at the allegations of alleged pressure or [sending] instructions to any Yemeni side in order to conduct military operations affecting the security of the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the document says.

Abu Dhabi expressed regret over Riyadh's statement, which "significantly distorted the facts" about current events in Yemen. The ministry noted that the United Arab Emirates respects the sovereignty and national security of Saudi Arabia, and also strives to be in constant coordination with the kingdom.

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Earlier in the day, it became known that the Saudi-led coalition announced the start of a military operation in Yemen after it launched a "limited airstrike" on "foreign military support" based in the Yemeni port of Mukalla. The operation, as specified, was aimed at two ships arriving from the port of Fujairah in the UAE.

Against the background of what is happening, the Yemeni authorities have imposed a state of emergency throughout the republic for a period of 90 days. It is noted that the government of the country also demanded the withdrawal of all UAE forces from the country within 24 hours.

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