The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has accused the United Arab Emirates of operating a secret prison at an airbase near the southern port city of Mukalla, escalating tensions between the two Gulf powers. The allegations were made on Monday by Salem Al-Khanbashi, governor of Hadramout province.
Al-Khanbashi, speaking at a televised press conference at the Riyan airbase, said the Yemeni authorities would take all necessary measures to hold accountable both UAE officials and Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of Yemen’s main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
He alleged that al-Zubaidi had been moved out of Yemen by the UAE.
“All the measures will be taken to hold perpetrators of violations accountable, either Aidarous al-Zubaidi or the UAE — its elements, officials, or people working for them — to achieve justice for the victims and their families,” Al-Khanbashi said.
There was no immediate response from the UAE foreign ministry.
However, the STC, which has received backing from the UAE, rejected the allegations.
"We have continuously engaged constructively with U.N. and other human rights bodies to ensure the rights and protection of the Southern (Yemeni) people," an STC official said.
The accusations mark one of the most serious public confrontations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen, where the two Gulf states have historically presented a united front.
Previous clashes
The dispute became visible last year when UAE-backed STC fighters expelled Saudi-backed forces aligned with the internationally recognised Yemeni government from key provinces.
In late December 2025, Saudi Arabia said it had struck a shipment of weapons destined for the STC in Mukalla, followed by an offensive that saw the STC collapse and UAE forces withdraw after nearly a decade as the main ground power in Yemen.
The discord has spilled into public view in recent weeks, with Saudi and Emirati pundits exchanging attacks on social media — a rare display of tension between the Gulf monarchies.
Saudi state-run Ekhbariya TV posted on X on Sunday, “With Abu Dhabi inciting against Saudi Arabia … the kingdom will not hesitate to take the necessary steps and measures against it.”
The Yemeni government has previously accused the UAE of running secret prisons in areas under its control, allegations which the UAE has consistently denied.
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