The UAE and Saudi Arabia denied media reports suggesting their involvement in talks with the US about a land offensive in Yemen. The UAE’s political affairs minister described these claims as “wild, unsubstantiated stories”. Discussions about potential military actions come amid a US-led aerial campaign against Houthi rebels, aimed at securing shipping routes in the Red Sea.
On Wednesday, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia refuted claims regarding their potential negotiations with the US about a land offensive in Yemen against Houthi rebels. Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, described the reports as “wild, unsubstantiated stories.” A spokesperson from Saudi Arabia echoed this sentiment, stating the allegations were false.
Media outlets previously reported that Yemeni factions were considering a ground offensive along the Red Sea, capitalizing on US bombing campaigns against the Houthis. The Wall Street Journal highlighted that the UAE allegedly discussed the plan with US officials. Bloomberg confirmed that Yemeni forces in opposition to the Houthis were in discussions regarding a possible land operation.
These reports surfaced amidst a US-led aerial campaign against the Houthis, mandated by President Donald Trump. The operation aims to halt Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, a critical corridor for global trade and Israel’s security. As ground forces aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni government prepare to advance, airstrikes have reportedly inflicted damage on the Houthi leadership.
Historically, the UAE participated in a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis from 2015, responding to the Yemeni government’s request following the rebels’ capture of Sanaa. The UAE concluded its military involvement in Yemen in 2019, and major combat in the civil war subsided with a truce in 2022, leaving the Houthis in control of the country’s western regions. The Houthis, allied with Iran, began targeting Red Sea shipping in November 2023 as a statement of support for Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have categorically denied involvement in discussions regarding a US-supported land offensive in Yemen. Despite media reports suggesting otherwise, both nations emphasized the lack of truth in these claims. This underscores the complexities of the Yemen conflict and the geopolitical landscape surrounding it, especially in light of ongoing hostilities and regional alliances.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
