UAE to withdraw troops from Yemen amid escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates Announces Withdrawal of Forces from Yemen

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will be withdrawing its “counterterrorism” units from Yemen, effective immediately. The decision comes after Saudi Arabia accused Abu Dhabi of supporting separatists in the country.

According to reports, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence stated that a comprehensive assessment was conducted and led to the decision to terminate operations in Yemen. The statement emphasized the safety of personnel involved.

The move follows a series of events, including a strike by Saudi-led coalition forces on the southern port city of Mukalla. Riyadh claimed that the attack targeted a UAE-linked weapons shipment destined for the separatist Southern Transition Council (STC) in Yemen.

The STC, which initially supported the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels, launched an offensive against Saudi-backed government troops this month. The advance has resulted in significant gains by the STC, including control of broad swaths of southern Yemen.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically cooperated as part of a coalition against the Houthi rebels. However, tensions between the two countries have escalated following the Mukalla strike. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council, dissolved a defence pact with the UAE and gave Emirati forces 24 hours to leave.

The situation has led to increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Riyadh expressing disappointment over “pressure exerted by the UAE” on the STC. The kingdom has called for the UAE to heed al-Alimi’s call to leave Yemen and halt any military or financial support to parties in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera