UAE Withdraws Remaining Forces From Yemen After Saudi-Backed Ultimatum

Overview

• The Saudi-led coalition said it targeted weapons and armored vehicles unloaded from ships arriving from Fujairah to supply the Southern Transitional Council.
• Yemen’s presidential leader imposed a 72-hour air exclusion and port and land restrictions and canceled a defense pact with the UAE.
• Abu Dhabi said it was surprised by the strike, denied the cargo contained arms, and announced the end of its limited counterterrorism presence in Yemen.
• Coalition officials reported no collateral damage and analysts highlighted a vessel identified as Greenland, while independent verification of the targets and cargo remains outstanding.
• The U.S. secretary of state held calls with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi as Gulf governments urged dialogue, and the rupture could complicate OPEC+ coordination before Sunday’s virtual meeting.