Following Saudi Arabia's attack on Yemeni territory, the internationally recognized government in the country announced that the United Arab Emirates sent two ships loaded with weapons and unloaded them at the port of Al-Mukalla. The head of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, described the move as "an escalation threatening regional security and activity fueling internal conflicts." He claimed that the UAE's role "has turned against Yemenis," declared a 90-day state of emergency and imposed a 72-hour air, sea and land blockade, demanding the withdrawal of Emirati forces within 24 hours. According to reports, he also announced the cancellation of the joint defense agreement with the UAE.