Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Dec 31: The United Arab Emirates has announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, declaring an end to what it termed “counterterrorism” operations, amid escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia over Abu Dhabi’s alleged support to southern Yemeni separatists.
The announcement on Tuesday came after Yemen’s internationally recognised government demanded that the UAE withdraw its forces within 24 hours, a call that was backed by Saudi Arabia. The move followed a Saudi Arabia-led coalition air strike on the southern Yemeni port city of Mukalla, which Riyadh said targeted a UAE-linked weapons shipment meant for the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC).
The STC, which had earlier supported Yemen’s recognised government against Houthi rebels, launched an offensive this month against Saudi-backed government forces, seeking an independent southern state. The group has since seized large parts of southern Yemen, including the Hadramout and Mahara provinces, despite warnings from Saudi Arabia. Hadramout shares a border with Saudi Arabia, while Mahara lies close to it.
Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that it was disappointed by what it described as “pressure exerted by the UAE” on the STC to carry out military operations in the two provinces, calling the developments a threat to its national security. Riyadh said any threat to its security was a “red line” and that it would take all necessary steps to counter such risks.
In response to the rapidly unfolding situation, the UAE Ministry of Defence said it had conducted a comprehensive assessment of its role in Yemen and decided to end its mission. “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defence announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen,” the statement said.
The announcement came amid efforts to defuse tensions in the Gulf region. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, saying they reflected a commitment to regional stability and the principles of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held telephone conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional developments.
The Saudi-led coalition’s strike on Mukalla has highlighted deepening rifts within the alliance formed in 2015 to fight the Houthis, who control most of northern Yemen. While Emirati forces entered Yemen as part of the coalition, the UAE had already withdrawn most of its troops in 2019, retaining only a limited presence in the south.
Following the Mukalla strike, Yemen’s presidential council chief Rashad al-Alimi dissolved a defence pact with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to leave within 24 hours. In a televised address, he accused the UAE of directing and pressuring the STC to rebel against the Yemeni state.
Saudi Arabia supported al-Alimi’s call and urged the UAE to halt any military or financial support to Yemeni factions. The UAE said it was surprised by the Saudi air strike and claimed the shipments did not contain weapons and were meant for Emirati forces, not the STC. It reiterated its commitment to Saudi security and said it sought to prevent further escalation.
Yemeni state media showed smoke rising from Mukalla port following the strike, though no casualties were reported. Al-Alimi imposed a 72-hour no-fly zone and a sea and land blockade on ports and crossings.
Despite the developments, the STC remained defiant, refusing to withdraw from areas it has seized. STC spokesperson Anwar al-Tamimi said the group would hold its ground and respond to any movement against its forces.