Officials in Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced on Monday that the United Arab Emirates has been operating secret prisons in the southern regions of the country. The accusation marks the latest development in an increasing divergence between the two former allies.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia intervened in the Yemen war in 2015 as part of a coalition supporting the government against Iran-backed Houthi forces. However, divisions emerged as they began to support opposing factions within the internationally recognised government. Tensions escalated after UAE-backed separatists briefly seized territory, prompting a pushback from Riyadh. Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed government have since asserted control over southern Yemen following the withdrawal of UAE troops.
“We have regretfully discovered a number of secret prisons used by Emirati forces,” stated Salem al-Khanbashi, a member of Yemen’s eight-seat presidential council, during a press conference. “We are currently documenting the violations committed against our people.”
The existence of such prisons has been previously reported by human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which documented facilities run by the UAE and its local allies, such as the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The UAE has consistently denied these allegations in the past, describing them as politically motivated.
Speaking to foreign media during a government-organized visit to Al-Mukalla in Hadramawt province, Khanbashi reiterated the accusations. “All necessary measures will be taken to hold the perpetrators of these violations accountable,” he affirmed, specifically naming STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi and the UAE and its agents as potentially involved parties.
Khanbashi added that authorities are prepared to present evidence and plan to escort reporters on a tour of detention centres allegedly run by Emirati forces.
Earlier this month, Yemeni leader Rashad al-Alimi, who heads the presidential council, ordered the closure of all illegal prisons in areas previously under STC control. He mandated that detainees either be released or transferred to official government facilities.
The UAE has not issued a comment on these latest allegations.
