Yemen declares 90-day state of emergency over UAE-backed rebellion

Yemeni authorities have declared a 90-day state of emergency in response to a UAE-backed rebellion.

The decree, issued by Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi, puts the state of emergency into effect on December 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

In a televised address, al-Alimi stated that Yemen “cannot withstand the opening of new fronts of attrition,” and emphasised, “we are strong thanks to the support of the [Arab] Coalition led by Saudi Arabia.”

He added that the Yemeni leadership has “never hesitated to confront terrorist threats,” accusing the Southern Transitional Council of ignoring calls to resolve disputes and make decisions.

Al-Alimi also announced the termination of the joint defence agreement with the UAE, asserting that “the UAE’s role has become directed against the Yemeni people,” and demanded that all Emirati forces leave Yemeni territory within 24 hours.

The Yemeni leader further declared a 72-hour air, land, and sea blockade at all entry points and imposed a state of emergency for 90 days, with the possibility of extension. He clarified that “the air, land, and sea embargo excludes anything issued by the coalition.”

He concluded his address by stating, “we have taken several decisions to protect civilians, which we will announce later.”

The speech followed a limited airstrike by the Arab Coalition in Yemen targeting what it described as foreign military support at Mukalla port, after warning the Southern Transitional Council (STC) against military activity in Hadramout province.

According to the coalition’s spokesperson, two ships from the UAE port of Fujairah entered Mukalla port on Saturday and Sunday without coalition authorisation, disabled their tracking systems, and unloaded large quantities of weapons and combat vehicles “to support the (STC).”

By Jeyhun Aghazada