National Defense Council Endorses Presidential Decisions to Protect Civilians and End Emirati Presence in the Country

  Riyadh

His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, chaired today, Tuesday, a meeting of the National Defense Council, attended by Sheikh Sultan Al-Aradah, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, and Sheikh Othman Mujalli, members of the Presidential Leadership Council.

The meeting also included Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Sultan Al-Barakani, Prime Minister Salem Saleh Bin Breik, Chairman of the Shura Council Dr. Ahmed Bin Daghr, deputy speakers of the Parliament and Shura Council, members of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission. It also included members of the National Defense Council from among ministers, and heads of military and security bodies, in the presence of Mr. Salem Al-Khambashi, the Governor of Hadhramout.

The meeting focused on discussing the grave developments in Hadhramout and Al-Mahra governorates in light of the military escalation by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and its repercussions on security and stability, as well as the unity of the state’s sovereign decision.

The Council reviewed comprehensive reports on the latest field developments and serious violations against civilians accompanying the military movements, including attacks on Armed Forces positions and public and private property. These actions culminated in the closure of Seiyun Airport, in clear violation of the transitional phase references—foremost the Declaration of Transfer of Power and the Riyadh Agreement—as well as the de-escalation efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The National Defense Council renewed its characterization of the STC’s military actions as an explicit rebellion against the institutions of the legitimate state, undermining the unity of military and security command, and posing a direct threat to civil peace, serving the interests of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militias.

The Council endorsed the decisions of the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, including the declaration of a state of emergency and the termination of the Emirati presence in Yemen, stressing that these decisions embody the constitutional responsibilities of the state leadership to protect civilians, safeguard national institutions, and preserve the state’s legal standing. The Council affirmed its absolute rejection of any attempts to impose a fait accompli by force or to use weapons to achieve political gains.

In this context, the National Defense Council called on the United Arab Emirates to fully comply with the letter and spirit of the decisions of the Yemeni state leadership, respect Yemen’s sovereignty, refrain from interference in its internal affairs, and halt any military or logistical support to formations operating outside the framework of the state. The Council emphasized that what was stated in the communiqué of the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy regarding arms shipments arriving at Mukalla Port without authorization constitutes a dangerous escalation and a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The Council reaffirmed that the Southern cause is a just national issue with historical and social dimensions, and remains a firm commitment of the state leadership. It stressed that the issue will be central to any comprehensive political settlement, in accordance with the transitional phase references, ensuring genuine partnership, fair redress of grievances, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of all citizens of the southern governorates without monopoly or exclusion.

The National Defense Council also reiterated its full support for the mediation efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and restore conditions in Hadhramout and Al-Mahra to their previous state, in a manner that preserves security, stability, and social peace.

The Council highly praised the sincere fraternal role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting Yemen and its constitutional legitimacy, and in defending its security and stability, stemming from the close interconnection between the security of the two brotherly countries and their shared efforts to confront threats to regional security.

The meeting affirmed the state’s continued commitment to combating terrorism as a sovereign decision carried out by its competent institutions in accordance with the Constitution and the law. It commended achievements made in recent years in dismantling terrorist cells and combating arms and drug smuggling, and rejecting the use of the terrorism file as a pretext to justify escalation or undermine state institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the National Defense Council approved a number of political, legal, and security measures necessary to protect civilians, preserve national unity and legal standing, and enforce the authority of state institutions. It stressed that the coming phase requires responsible national alignment and prioritization of the supreme interests of the Yemeni people.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi, Director of the Office of the Presidency of the Republic.