UAE Announces Withdrawal of Forces From Yemen

According to a report by the state news agency WAM, the defence ministry of the United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it has voluntarily concluded the mission of its counterterrorism units in Yemen.

It indicated that the choice was made after a thorough evaluation in light of recent developments.

The defence ministry posted its statement in Arabic on X as well, noting that the decision followed an assessment of recent developments and possible threats to the safety and effectiveness of its counterterrorism missions.

The ministry stated that its presence in the country “was confined to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners”.

The announcement follows an airstrike by a Saudi-led coalition on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what it characterized as foreign military assistance to UAE-backed southern separatists.

Saudi Arabia supported a demand for UAE forces to exit Yemen within 24 hours.

Since 2015, the UAE has been part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Houthi movement in Yemen. It began to withdraw its troops from the country in 2019, while still remaining committed to the internationally recognised government backed by Saudi Arabia.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) subsequently opted to pursue self-rule in the south and, this month, made progress in a sudden assault on Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

The advance ended a years-long deadlock, with the STC asserting extensive control over the south. Saudi Arabia cautioned the STC against carrying out military actions in the eastern border province of Hadramout and aimed for a withdrawal of its troops. The Saudi appeal was rejected by the STC.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the ongoing tensions in Yemen and regional security with his Saudi counterpart, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to the State Department.

Saudi state media reported that the coalition stated there were no casualties or collateral damage from the Mukalla port strike.

According to two sources, the strike aimed at the dock where the cargo from the two vessels was being unloaded.

Yemen’s state TV showed footage it claimed depicted black smoke rising from the port in the aftermath of the strike, along with burned vehicles at the site.

Forces supported by the UAE control extensive areas in the south, including the strategically important province of Hadramout.

The head of the Yemeni presidential council, Alimi, established a no-fly zone and imposed a sea and ground blockade on all ports and crossings for 72 hours, with the exception of exemptions authorized by the coalition.

Hadramout, which shares a border with Saudi Arabia, has cultural and historical connections to it. A number of well-known Saudis can trace their roots back to this region.

Since 2022, the STC has been involved in an alliance that governs southern territories not under Houthi control, as part of a Saudi-backed power-sharing initiative.

The northern area, which encompasses the capital city Sanaa, is under Houthi control.

“We will continue to prevent any military support from any country to any Yemeni faction without coordination with the legitimate government,” the coalition said

The leader of Yemen’s presidential council previously requested that the UAE forces exit Yemen within a day.