UAE Withdraws Remaining Forces from Yemen Amid Tensions with Saudi Arabia
The United Arab Emirates announced it will withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen following a sharp escalation in tensions with Saudi Arabia, after Riyadh backed a demand for Emirati troops to leave within 24 hours. The move deepens a growing rift between the two Gulf allies, whose strategic interests have increasingly diverged.
The announcement came shortly after Saudi-led coalition forces carried out an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what they said was a shipment linked to the UAE and destined to supply separatist fighters. Saudi officials described the strike as a response to what they consider a direct threat to national security.
The UAE said its remaining presence in Yemen consisted only of specialized counterterrorism personnel and that it had already concluded its broader military mission years ago. According to Emirati officials, recent developments prompted a reassessment of their role, leading to a voluntary decision to fully withdraw in an effort to avoid further escalation.
Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of backing Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group that has launched a new offensive against Saudi-supported government forces. Riyadh has warned that any actions undermining Yemen’s internationally recognized government cross a “red line.” Yemeni presidential council head Rashad al-Alimi echoed those concerns, alleging Emirati involvement in encouraging the STC’s advances.
The UAE denied that weapons were involved in the Mukalla shipments, saying they were intended for its own forces and expressing surprise at the airstrike. It said it remains committed to dialogue and coordination to prevent further conflict.
The dispute has raised concerns beyond Yemen. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are key members of the OPEC+ oil alliance, and their disagreement has weighed on regional markets ahead of an upcoming production policy meeting.
While the UAE’s withdrawal may ease immediate tensions, uncertainty remains over its future political and financial support for southern Yemeni separatists, leaving the broader conflict unresolved.
