DUBAI, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday denied running secret prisons in southern Yemen following claims from Saudi-backed Yemeni officials that widened a rift between the Gulf powers. Monday's claims from Hadramawt province followed clashes between UAE- and Saudi-backed forces that prompted Abu Dhabi to withdraw its remaining troops from Yemen. On Monday, Hadramawt's governor told foreign media invited by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, including AFP, that "a number of secret prisons used by Emirati forces" had been uncovered. The UAE defence ministry said the "facilities referred to are merely military accommodation, operations rooms and fortified shelters, some of which are located underground". Saudi Arabia is now attempting to shore up control in government-controlled southern Yemen.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 20, 2026 07:28 UTC