Yemen Ends UAE Defense Pact, Orders Emirati Forces Out
Yemen has officially ended its defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates and directed all UAE military forces to leave Yemeni territory, according to Geo News Urdu and regional media reports.
The move was announced by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chair Rashad al-Alimi on December 30, 2025. Under the directive, UAE military units stationed in Yemen must withdraw within 24 hours.
Regional news agencies say Yemen also imposed a temporary closure of its ports and ground and sea access for 72 hours, citing security concerns.
The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Yemeni factions and the Saudi-led coalition, which includes UAE support for southern separatist forces. That coalition recently carried out limited air operations targeting the port city of Mokha, prompting criticism from Yemen’s leadership.
The UAE has not issued an official response at press time. International analysts will watch closely how this affects broader Gulf Cooperation Council security cooperation and the future of foreign forces in Yemen’s conflict zones.
