UAE and Saudi Arabia Reject Claims of Involvement in Yemen Offensive Discussions

The UAE and Saudi Arabia denied involvement in potential U.S. talks concerning a ground offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen. UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs dismissed the reports as unsubstantiated while a Saudi source claimed they were false. The discussion follows ongoing U.S. airstrikes aimed at the Houthis, who continue to threaten shipping routes in the Red Sea.

On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia refuted media reports alleging their involvement in discussions with the United States regarding a potential land offensive in Yemen. Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, characterized these reports as “wild, unsubstantiated stories,” while a Saudi official source similarly dismissed the claims as false.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Yemeni factions were contemplating a ground offensive along the Red Sea coast, intending to capitalize on U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces. Additionally, Bloomberg highlighted that Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthis are engaged in discussions with the U.S. and Gulf allies concerning the aforementioned land offensive.

This development arises about a month into a U.S.-led aerial campaign against the Houthis, ordered by President Donald Trump, which aims to mitigate the Houthi’s attacks on shipping in the strategically vital Red Sea. Following renewed U.S. airstrikes, analysts suggest armed groups supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government are preparing to advance toward the port city of Hodeidah.

The UAE previously participated in a Saudi-led coalition that initiated military actions against the Houthis in early 2015. However, its military involvement in Yemen concluded in 2019, with major fighting ceasing in 2022 due to a truce, allowing the Houthis to maintain control over most of western Yemen, where the majority of the populace resides.

Aligned with Iran and opposed to Israel, the Houthis commenced attacks on Red Sea shipping in November 2023, claiming such actions were intended to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have firmly denied reports implicating them in discussions about a potential land offensive in Yemen against Houthi rebels. These denials come amidst ongoing U.S. military actions intended to curb Houthi aggression in the region. While the situation continues to evolve, the Houthis remain a significant force in Yemen, having retained control over much of the territory.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com