Statement issued by the Ministry of Defense
Abu Dhabi, January 20 / WAM / The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates categorically denied the false and misleading claims and allegations contained in the press conference held by the Governor of Hadhramaut, Salem Al-Hanbashi, not based on any evidence or truth, regarding the discovery of quantities of weapons and explosives allegedly linked to the UAE at Al-Rayyan Airport in the Yemeni city of Mukalla.
The Ministry confirmed that these allegations are completely false and represent an unacceptable attempt to falsify the facts, mislead public opinion, and deliberately distort the reputation of the UAE Armed Forces and undermine their military commitments and proven record.
The Ministry explained that the UAE forces completed their complete withdrawal from Yemen officially and publicly on January 2, 2026. This included the transfer of all equipment, weapons and devices in accordance with approved and recognized military procedures, in a way that blocks any interpretation or claim of the existence of any military, logistical or technical presence of the UAE on Yemeni territory.
Regarding the allegations raised about the existence of “secret prisons” inside Al-Rayyan Airport, the Ministry stressed that these allegations are nothing more than slander and deliberate deception aimed at creating fabricated narratives that lack accuracy and professionalism. She confirmed that the facilities referred to are nothing but military housing, operating rooms, and fortified shelters, some of which are located underground, which is a common and well-known matter in various airports and military installations around the world, and does not carry any connotations outside the normal military context.
The Ministry of Defense stressed that the inclusion of the UAE in such allegations raises questions about the real motives and the parties behind the promotion of these lies, considering that this reflects a blatant attempt to advance political agendas at the expense of the truth, and is part of a systematic campaign to distort the image of the UAE and the sacrifices of its soldiers in order to support Yemen and protect its security and stability over more than ten years.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
