The UAE, facing criticism from top Yemeni allies over its presence on the island of Socotra, said Sunday (May 6th) its role on the strategic Yemeni island had been "distorted", AFP reported.
The UAE is a key part of the Arab coalition which is fighting in support of the legitimate government of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, though splits have emerged in the pro-government camp.
In January, the government's temporary capital of Aden was rocked by deadly clashes that saw UAE-backed forces seize much of the city from other pro-government forces.
On Friday, a Saudi delegation travelled to Socotra to diffuse new tensions on the island after the UAE deployed forces without informing Hadi’s government.
The delegation met with Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher in the presence of an Emirati official, local media reported.
Bin Dagher nevertheless took to social media on Sunday to question the UAE military presence he witnessed during an official visit to Socotra.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said it was "surprised" by the Yemeni prime minister's statement.
"The UAE military presence in all liberated Yemeni provinces, including Socotra, comes within the efforts of the Arab coalition to support legitimate government at this critical stage in the history of Yemen," the ministry said.
