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The UAE’s defense ministry announced on Tuesday that its counterterrorism units in Yemen have voluntarily concluded their mission, according to the state news agency WAM. The decision followed a thorough review of recent events and circumstances. The ministry also posted a statement in Arabic on X (formerly Twitter), citing recent developments and potential risks to the safety and success of its counterterror efforts as reasons for the decision.
This development comes after a Saudi-led coalition launched an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what it described as foreign military support for UAE-backed southern separatists. Additionally, Saudi Arabia called for UAE forces to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours.
Since 2015, the UAE participated in the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen. It began withdrawing troops in 2019 but still remains committed to supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia. Recently, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has sought independence for southern Yemen and launched a surprise offensive this month against government forces supported by Saudi Arabia, breaking a long-standing deadlock. The STC claims to have gained broad control over much of the south, prompting warnings from Saudi Arabia against military actions in the eastern province of Hadramout and calls for the group to withdraw its forces.
This is an evolving story that will be updated as more details become available.
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