UAE and Saudi Arabia Deny Involvement in Yemen Offensive Discussions

The UAE and Saudi Arabia denied reports of their involvement in US-led talks about a potential offensive in Yemen against Houthi rebels. UAE officials labeled the claims as false and unsubstantiated. The ongoing conflict includes a recent increase in US airstrikes and renewed Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea amidst complex geopolitical tensions.

On Wednesday, both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia rejected claims of their involvement in discussions with the United States regarding a potential land offensive in Yemen aimed at the Houthi rebels. Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, characterized these reports as “wild, unsubstantiated stories,” a sentiment echoed by an unnamed Saudi official who dismissed the allegations as false.

Reports in the Wall Street Journal indicated that Yemeni factions were allegedly coordinating a ground offensive along the Red Sea amid ongoing US bombardment of Houthi positions, with claims that the UAE had presented this plan to US authorities. Bloomberg added that forces opposing the Iran-aligned Houthis are engaging in dialogue with the US and Gulf allies concerning a possible military initiative.

This surge of reports coincides with a US-led aerial campaign targeting the Houthis, which was initiated by President Donald Trump. Despite the continued airstrikes, goals concerning the cessation of Houthi aggression against Red Sea commerce have not yet been fulfilled. Analysts noted a recent buildup of forces committed to advancing on the port of Hodeidah, resulting in significant casualties among Houthi leaders and diminishing the group’s strength.

The UAE previously participated in a Saudi-led coalition launching military operations against the Houthis in 2015, responding to a plea from the internationally recognized Yemeni government following the Houthis’ capture of the capital, Sanaa. However, the UAE withdrew its military forces in 2019, and significant hostilities in the conflict had subsided with a truce in 2022, leaving the Houthis in control of the majority of populated western regions.

Following a declaration of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict, the Houthis resumed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as of November 2023. This further complicates the already tense geopolitical landscape of the region, which remains critical for international trade and military stability.

In summary, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have categorically denied their involvement in discussions regarding a potential land offensive in Yemen against the Houthi rebels. Amid ongoing conflict and US military initiatives, the situation remains volatile, with the Houthis renewing attacks on maritime routes in response to the regional dynamics. Historical military engagements in Yemen by the UAE and Saudi Arabia have set the stage for continued scrutiny and heightened tensions.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com