SANAA, Yemen / ISTANBUL

Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Wednesday denied reports that its forces had withdrawn from areas in the eastern province of Hadramout.

“We categorically renew our denial of the rumors and falsehoods being circulated by some channels and media networks,” STC spokesman Mohammed al-Naqeeb said on the US social media company X.

He said STC-affiliated forces remain at “the highest levels of readiness, preparedness and vigilance,” adding that they are firmly deployed across all their positions in the valleys and desert areas of Hadramout and neighboring Mahra.

Naqeeb said the forces are closely monitoring what he described as “hostile movements” and are prepared to confront “militant groups,” using language that included references to Islamist factions.

Yemeni and Arab media outlets reported early Wednesday that the STC had withdrawn forces from parts of Hadramout.

The statement came a day after sharp tensions flared between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Yemen, following an airstrike by the Arab coalition targeting two ships at the port of Mukalla.

Amid the fast-moving dispute, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced the cancellation of a joint defense agreement with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours and declared a 90-day state of emergency, citing what he described as “attempts to divide the country.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of pushing the STC forces to carry out military operations along the kingdom’s southern border in Hadramout and Mahra, saying Saudi national security is a “red line” and warning it would take all necessary measures to counter any threats.

The UAE rejected what it called “allegations” of directing the STC to conduct military operations affecting Saudi security, stressing its commitment to the kingdom’s safety.

The Emirati Defense Ministry later said it had completed the mission of its remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen, adding that it ended its military presence in 2019 as part of the Saudi-led coalition.

The STC has taken control of Hadramout and Mahra early this month. The two governorates together make up nearly half of Yemen’s land area.