UAE denies allegations by Saudi-backed governor

ABU DHABI, Jan. 20 (YPA) – The UAE Ministry of Defense categorically denied allegations made by the Saudi-backed Governor of Hadramout, Salem Al-Khanbashi, who accused the United Arab Emirates of operating a secret prison at an airbase near the southern Yemeni port city of Mukalla.

In a statement, the Ministry stressed that the conference contained false and misleading allegations devoid of any evidence or factual basis, regarding the purported discovery of quantities of weapons and explosives allegedly linked to the United Arab Emirates at Riyan Airport in the Yemeni city of Mukalla.

The Ministry affirmed that these allegations are entirely unfounded and represent an unacceptable attempt to distort facts, mislead public opinion, deliberately tarnish the reputation of the UAE Armed Forces, and undermine their recognised military commitments and established record.

“With regard to the allegations concerning the existence of so-called “secret prisons” at Rayan Airport, the MoD stressed that such claims are nothing more than deliberate fabrications and misinformation aimed at constructing false narratives that lack accuracy and professionalism,” the statement read.

It confirmed that the facilities referred to are merely military accommodation, operations rooms and fortified shelters, some of which are located underground — a common and well-known feature of airports and military installations worldwide — and bear no implications beyond the normal military context.

The UAE Ministry of Defense concluded by reaffirming the country’s commitment to established principles and international law, while strongly rejecting any attempts to tarnish the image of its armed forces or its humanitarian and security role in Yemen.

@E.Y.M