LONDON: Gulf and Arab countries on Tuesday offered support to the internationally recognized government in Yemen after the UAE withdrew its forces from the country. The statements were issued after the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government carried out airstrikes on a shipment of weapons and vehicles destined for southern separatist forces. The shipment arrived in the port of Mukalla on board two vessels from Fujairah in the UAE. The Emirates was asked by Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s presidential council, to withdraw its troops from Yemen within 24 hours.

All UAE forces must leave Yemen within 24 hours, the Presidential Leadership Council says.

The attack signals a new escalation in tensions between the kingdom and the separatist forces of the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the Emirates.