United Arab Emirates Withdraw Forces from Yemen Amid Rising Tensions with Saudi Arabia

Withdrawal of Forces from Yemen

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, declaring the end of its "counterterrorism" operations in the country after Saudi Arabia accused Abu Dhabi of supporting separatists in the Gulf nation. The announcement follows a request from the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which urged the UAE to withdraw its troops within 24 hours, a call supported by Saudi Arabia.

Escalating Tensions

A few hours prior, the Saudi-led coalition attacked the port of Mukalla in southern Yemen, targeting what Riyadh claimed was a shipment of weapons connected to the UAE intended for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen. The STC, which initially supported the internationally recognized government against Houthi rebels, launched an offensive against government forces backed by Saudi Arabia, seeking an independent state in the south.

Misunderstandings Among Allies

The STC's advance has broken years of stagnation, gaining control over extensive areas in southern Yemen, including provinces like Hadramout and Mahara, despite warnings from Riyadh. Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of supporting the STC, but Abu Dhabi denied this claim. Following the rapid developments on Tuesday, the UAE's Ministry of Defense announced it had conducted a "comprehensive assessment" of its role in Yemen and decided to conclude its mission there.

Response from Riyadh

In the wake of the Mukalla attack, which resulted in no casualties, Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Saudi-backed presidential council, dissolved a defense pact with the UAE and gave Emirati forces 24 hours to leave Yemen. Saudi Arabia expressed disappointment regarding the "pressure exerted by the UAE" on the STC to carry out military operations in Hadramout and Mahara provinces, considering these maneuvers a threat to its national security. Riyadh emphasized that any threat to its national security is a red line, promising it would take all necessary measures to address such threats.

STC's Statements

Although the UAE stated that it was surprised by the attack, the STC remained firm, asserting that "there is no question of withdrawing" from the positions recently gained. "It is unreasonable for the landowner to be asked to leave their own territory," said STC spokesman Anwar al-Tamimi. "We are in a defensive position, and any movement against our forces will be countered accordingly."