United Arab Emirates leaves Yemen

TT

Published 16.18

 

Saudi state television claims that the image shows a weapons shipment from the United Arab Emirates docking in the Yemeni port city on Tuesday night, Swedish time. Photo: Saudi State TV/AP/TT

The United Arab Emirates announces that they are withdrawing their forces from Yemen.

The announcement comes after Saudi Arabia bombed an arms shipment to a local separatist force.

"The Ministry of Defense hereby announces that the remaining anti-terrorist operation in Yemen is ending," the statement from the United Arab Emirates reads.

On Tuesday night, Saudi Arabia bombed targets in the Yemeni port city of Mukalla. The target was reportedly an arms shipment, which Saudi Arabia said was sent from Abu Dhabi to a separatist force in Yemen.

In connection with the attack, Riyadh issued an ultimatum to the United Arab Emirates: Bring your forces home within 24 hours.

The separatists in question, the STC, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that they would not withdraw.

As a result of the attack, the Yemeni Presidential Council has declared a state of emergency for 90 days. In addition, border crossings and entry by air and via ports in certain areas will be closed for three days.

At the same time, a defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates was canceled.

The Yemeni government, which is recognized by the international community as the country's legitimate government, counts Saudi Arabia as its main ally.

The civil war has raged in Yemen for more than a decade.