On Tuesday, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi issued a decree canceling the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), giving Emirati forces 24 hours to withdraw from Yemeni territory.
The decree stated that the decision was made “to safeguard the security of all citizens, reaffirm Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and stability, and take all necessary measures to confront the ongoing Houthi coup since 2014.”
It further declared the cancellation of the joint defense agreement with the UAE and called on all Emirati forces and personnel to “withdraw from all Yemeni territory within 24 hours.”
Al-Alimi ordered the Nation Shield Forces to mobilize and take control of all military camps in the Hadramout and Al-Mahrah governorates.
He reiterated his commitment to protecting civilians and correcting the course of the partnership within the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. He also warned of the dangers posed by the Southern Transitional Council’s escalation in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, accusing the UAE of supporting the rebellion and undermining state institutions.
Al-Alimi praised Saudi Arabia’s role in de-escalation efforts and expressed regret over the UAE’s alleged involvement in smuggling unauthorized arms shipments to the port of Mukalla. He warned that any rebellion would be met with firm constitutional and legal measures, including decisions aimed at protecting civilians and restoring the integrity of the coalition partnership.
Additionally, Al-Alimi declared a nationwide state of emergency starting December 30, 2025, for a period of 90 days, subject to extension.
The decree instructed forces in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah to coordinate with the Saudi-led coalition, return to their bases, and hand over positions to the Nation Shield Forces. It also granted the governors of both provinces full authority to manage local affairs in coordination with the Nation Shield Forces and imposed a 72-hour air, sea, and land blockade on all entry points, with exceptions for coalition-authorized permits.