RIYADH, Dec 30 — The leader of Yemen’s presidential council declared a state of emergency and cancelled a security pact with the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday after Abu Dhabi-backed separatists seized swathes of territory.

“The Joint Defence Agreement with the United Arab Emirates is hereby cancelled,” a statement said, while a separate decree announced a 90-day state of emergency including a 72-hour air, sea and land blockade. — AFP