Yemen’s presidential council cancels UAE defence deal

In Yemen, the Saudi-backed presidential council cancelled a defense deal with the UAE on December 30, 2025. The council demanded that UAE-backed forces withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours. This decision follows a Saudi air strike on Mukalla port, which targeted two ships allegedly unloading weapons for southern separatists. The location of the strike and withdrawal order is Yemen. Analysts are warning that this situation could lead to an escalation of violence within the country. The reason for the cancellation and demand is the alleged arming of separatists by the UAE.