UAE calls for 'restraint and wisdom' after Saudi Arabia's Yemen strikes

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates called for “restraint and wisdom” Tuesday after Saudi Arabia accused it of backing an offensive by separatists in Yemen, while disputing Riyadh's allegations against it.

The UAE Foreign Ministry's statement followed Saudi Arabia launching airstrikes on Yemen's port city of Mukalla, where the kingdom asserted that the UAE shipped armoured vehicles and weapons.

The UAE denied shipping weapons but acknowledged the vehicle shipment.

Abu Dhabi claimed it was for its own forces, without offering more details.

The UAE broadly withdrew its forces years earlier in Yemen.