The United Arab Emirates has firmly rejected recent claims by Salem Al-Khanbashi, Governor of Hadramawt, about finding weapons, explosives, and secret detention centers at Riyan Airport in Mukalla, Yemen. The UAE Ministry of Defence called these allegations "completely unfounded, misleading, and lacking any factual evidence." The Ministry said the accusations aim to misrepresent the UAE's role in Yemen and harm the reputation of Emirati armed forces. The UAE confirmed that it officially withdrew all its forces from Yemen on 2 January 2026. This withdrawal included transferring all equipment, weapons, and assets according to military rules. The Ministry said this leaves no chance of any Emirati military, technical, or logistical presence in Yemen. Regarding the secret prison claims, the Ministry described these as "deliberate fabrications" meant to build false stories. Officials explained that the buildings labeled as secret prisons are actually usual military facilities like accommodation, operation rooms, and protected shelters. Some buildings are underground, which is common in airports and military sites worldwide. These do not serve any secret detention purpose. The UAE Ministry of Defence expressed concern that these accusations are politically driven attempts to twist facts. The Ministry said the claims unfairly question the UAE's long support for Yemeni security and the sacrifices of Emirati soldiers over the years. The Ministry called the allegations "an unacceptable attempt to mislead public opinion and tarnish the reputation of the UAE Armed Forces." It urged people to carefully check the facts and not believe politically motivated falsehoods.