UAE Concludes Military Operations in Yemen Amid Tensions with Saudi Arabia

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced the cessation of its military operations in Yemen. This decision follows accusations from Saudi Arabia that the UAE has been supporting separatists within the war-torn nation, particularly in the wake of a recent airstrike on a shipment believed to be linked to the Emirati forces.

On Tuesday, the announcement from the UAE coincided with demands from Yemen’s internationally recognized government for the immediate withdrawal of Emirati troops, a request that found support from Riyadh. The backdrop to this escalation involves the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, where coalition forces, including those from Saudi Arabia, carried out airstrikes targeting what they claimed was an arms shipment destined for the Southern Transition Council (STC), a separatist group engaged in conflict with the Yemeni government.

Escalation of Conflict

This turmoil has roots tracing back to the STC’s initial alignment with the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels. However, relations have soured, with the STC launching recent offensives to assert its control over southern Yemen, including critical provinces like Hadramout and Mahara. Their advances have caught Riyadh’s attention, heightening tensions in an already complex conflict.

Despite Saudi accusations of Emirati support for the STC, the UAE maintains its innocence. Following the rapid developments of Tuesday, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence conducted a thorough evaluation of its engagement in Yemen, ultimately deciding to withdraw. In their official statement, they expressed concern over the evolving situation and its implications for the safety and effectiveness of their missions.

Deepening Divisions

The military actions in Mukalla underscore the growing divide between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which previously collaborated in a coalition against Houthi forces since 2015. Over the years, the UAE has significantly reduced its military footprint in Yemen, yet the recent turn of events has re-ignited tensions.

In light of the airstrike, Rashad al-Alimi, leader of Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council, took decisive action by terminating defense agreements with the UAE and demanding a withdrawal within 24 hours. In a public address, he accused the UAE of orchestrating military escalations that threaten state authority.

Saudi Arabia has since expressed its discontent, emphasizing that any threat to its national security—arising specifically from the UAE’s actions—would be met with appropriate measures. Riyadh urged the UAE to comply with calls for withdrawal and cease any military or financial support for factions in Yemen.

The reaction from the UAE revealed their surprise at the airstrike, asserting that the targeted shipment contained no munitions and was intended for their own forces. They voiced intentions to seek a coordinated resolution to mitigate further escalation.

Yemeni state television reported smoke rising from Mukalla following the airstrike, as tight security measures were imposed, including no-fly zones and a blockade on all ports and checkpoints for 72 hours. Despite these developments, the STC has a firm stance, rejecting the notion of withdrawal from the territories they have gained, asserting that they will respond defensively to any advances.

Conclusion

The situation in Yemen remains precarious as the UAE steps back from its military commitment, amid accusations and heightened tensions with Saudi Arabia. As the STC consolidates its gains in the south, the potential for further conflict looms large, challenging the stability of both the region and the broader coalition initially established to address the Houthi threat.