The UAE Ministry of Defense has categorically denied rumors concerning alleged prisons and weapon caches at Yemen‘s Al Rayyan Airport. This statement follows claims made by Hadramaut Governor Salem Al-Hanbashi during a press conference, highlighting the ongoing narrative surrounding UAE military actions in the region. The ministry’s firm response emphasizes its commitment to transparency and refutes what it describes as misleading assertions devoid of credible evidence.
Denial of Allegations
The Ministry of Defense stated that it “firmly denies” the claims made by Governor Al-Hanbashi regarding the purported discovery of weapons and explosives supposedly linked to the UAE at Al Rayyan Airport in Mukalla, Yemen. According to the ministry, these allegations are “entirely unfounded” and represent an unacceptable attempt to distort facts and mislead the public, ultimately tarnishing the reputation of the UAE Armed Forces and undermining their military commitments and esteemed record.
Completion of Withdrawal
The Ministry further clarified that UAE forces completed their official withdrawal from Yemen on January 2, 2026. This process included the systematic transfer of all military equipment, weapons, and devices in accordance with established military protocols, effectively addressing any suggestions of ongoing military, logistical, or technical presence on Yemeni soil.
Addressing Claims of Secret Prisons
In response to allegations regarding the existence of “secret prisons” at Al Rayyan Airport, the Ministry dismissed these claims as baseless fabrications aimed at creating misleading narratives. It specified that the facilities mentioned consist merely of military barracks, operations rooms, and fortified shelters, some of which are underground—a standard practice observed in military airports and installations globally, without any implications that deviate from conventional military norms.
Concerns Over Political Motives
The Ministry of Defense raised concerns regarding the motives behind these claims, questioning the intentions of those promoting such falsehoods. It suggested that these allegations reflect a transparent attempt to further political agendas at the expense of the truth, representing part of a systematic campaign to defame the UAE and undermine the sacrifices of its soldiers in support of Yemen’s stability and security over the past decade.