Saudi Arabia accuses UAE of threatening national security in Yemen

Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE of Threatening National Security in Yemen

On December 30, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a strong condemnation against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing it of actions in Yemen that jeopardize Saudi national security. The Saudi Foreign Ministry characterized these actions as a violation of the principles that underpin their coalition efforts in the region. This statement follows escalating tensions between the two nations regarding their military involvement in Yemen, particularly concerning the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group operating in southern Yemen.

Key Details

The Saudi Foreign Ministry"s statement referenced a prior announcement made on December 25, 2025 (corresponding to 5/7/1447 in the Islamic calendar), which outlined Saudi Arabia"s commitment to working alongside the UAE to mitigate the escalating actions taken by the STC in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara. The STC has been involved in efforts to assert control over these areas, which has raised concerns about stability and governance in Yemen.

In its statement, the Saudi government highlighted a specific incident involving the movement of ships carrying weapons and armored vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah in the UAE to the port of Al-Mukalla in Yemen. The Saudi Foreign Ministry criticized this transfer, stating that it occurred without the necessary approvals from the Coalition Joint Forces Command, which oversees military operations in Yemen. This unauthorized transfer is seen as a direct challenge to the coalition"s authority and operational integrity.

In a firm response, Saudi Arabia has set a deadline for the UAE to withdraw all of its forces from Yemen within 24 hours and to cease military support for local factions, including the STC. The Saudi government has labeled these actions as a "red line," indicating that any further military maneuvers by the UAE that threaten Saudi interests will not be tolerated.

Background

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana"a, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The UAE has been a key partner in this coalition, although its support has sometimes aligned with local factions like the STC, which seeks greater autonomy for southern Yemen. This complex web of alliances has led to tensions not only with the Houthis but also among coalition partners, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The recent accusations from Saudi Arabia come at a time when the coalition"s effectiveness and unity are being scrutinized. The STC"s actions in Hadramout and Al-Mahara have been viewed as attempts to expand its influence, which could undermine the coalition"s goals and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions are in need of assistance.

What"s Next

The ultimatum issued by Saudi Arabia places significant pressure on the UAE to reassess its military strategy in Yemen. Should the UAE choose to comply, it may lead to a reduction in tensions between the two nations and a potential reevaluation of their joint military objectives. However, failure to adhere to the demands could escalate hostilities, further complicating the already fragile situation in Yemen.

As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the actions taken by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly in light of previous reports regarding the coalition"s operations and the humanitarian implications of continued conflict. For further insights into the evolving dynamics in Yemen, see our recent developments on the Saudi-backed government"s demands for UAE forces to exit Yemen.