UAE ends military presence in Yemen, reaffirms support for Saudi sovereignty
Abu Dhabi withdraws remaining forces and rejects allegations amid widening regional tensions
SANAA, Yemen (MNTV) — The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday that it has ended the mission of its remaining counter‑terrorism units in Yemen, completing a withdrawal that began with its broader military exit in 2019 and reflecting shifting security dynamics in the long‑running conflict.
In an official statement carried by the Emirates News Agency, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the decision was taken voluntarily after a comprehensive assessment of current conditions, emphasizing concerns over the safety and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
The remaining specialist teams had been deployed to Yemen as part of coordinated counter‑terrorism efforts with international partners under the Saudi‑led Arab Coalition framework.
“The UAE has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations and promote security and stability for the Yemeni people,” the defense ministry said, noting that Emirati personnel made “significant sacrifices in pursuit of these objectives.”
The withdrawal announcement comes against the backdrop of intensifying tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over developments in Yemen’s south, particularly in the Hadramawt and Al‑Mahra regions, where the UAE‑backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has made territorial gains in recent weeks.
Saudi authorities have publicly expressed concern that these advances and related maneuvers threaten the Kingdom’s national security.
In response to the UAE’s announcement and the broader situation, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council — aligned with Riyadh — rescinded its defense agreement with the UAE and called for all Emirati forces to withdraw within 24 hours.
It also declared a 90‑day state of emergency and imposed a 72‑hour blockade on land and sea ports, reflecting deepening divisions within the anti‑Houthi coalition.
Abu Dhabi rejected accusations that it has played a role in fomenting divisions or directing military actions that could undermine Saudi security.
In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denied allegations that it has pressured any Yemeni party to undertake operations that threaten the Kingdom’s stability, calling such claims “fundamentally inaccurate.”
The ministry reaffirmed its full respect for Saudi sovereignty and national security and stressed that cooperation with Riyadh remains a cornerstone of regional stability.
The UAE statement also emphasized its commitment to de‑escalation, civilian protection, and continued coordination with Saudi Arabia to maintain security and stability in Yemen and the wider region.
It reiterated that its military presence in Yemen was originally at the invitation of the internationally recognized Yemeni government and conducted within the broader coalition’s mandate.
The developments are occurring amid a broader recalibration of the Yemen conflict, where alliances are shifting and the anti‑Houthi coalition’s unity has been tested by divergent strategic interests.
The UAE’s full withdrawal signals a significant moment in the conflict, raising questions about the future role of external actors and the prospects for political reconciliation.
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