Full Breakdown
UAE Withdraws Remaining Forces from Yemen Amid Rising Tensions with Saudi Arabia
12/30/2025, 8:29:41 PM
Announcement of Withdrawal
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the voluntary withdrawal of its remaining counterterrorism personnel from Yemen, marking the end of its military presence in the country that began in 2015. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment of recent developments, according to the UAE's Ministry of Defence. The announcement comes in the wake of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, which targeted what Riyadh claimed was a UAE-linked weapons shipment.
Context of the Withdrawal
The UAE's military involvement in Yemen has been contentious, particularly as tensions have escalated between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, both key members of the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition's airstrike on Mukalla was described as a response to Emirati support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a group seeking self-rule in southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia's national security has been declared a "red line," and the Saudi-backed Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the withdrawal of Emirati forces.
Escalating Tensions
The rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has grown as the two nations have diverged in their support for various factions within Yemen. While the UAE has backed the STC, Saudi Arabia has continued to support Yemen's internationally recognized government. This divergence has led to accusations from Yemeni officials, including Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, who accused the UAE of exacerbating instability in Yemen. Alimi has called for the immediate withdrawal of all Emirati forces and has canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE.
Official Statements & Responses
The UAE's Ministry of Defence emphasized that the withdrawal was conducted to ensure the safety of its personnel and in coordination with relevant partners. They stated, "The Ministry of Defence announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen," asserting that the decision reflects a broader assessment of regional security needs. Conversely, Saudi Arabia's coalition spokesperson highlighted the need for Emirati compliance with the withdrawal ultimatum, framing it as essential for national security.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the UAE's actions, particularly from the Yemeni government, have accused Abu Dhabi of undermining state authority through its support of the STC. Alimi's statements reflect a growing frustration with the UAE's military involvement, which he claims has destabilized the region and complicated efforts for a unified Yemeni government. The Yemeni leadership has expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in attempting to de-escalate tensions, contrasting it with the UAE's alleged unilateral actions.
What's Next
The situation remains fluid as the UAE's withdrawal unfolds. The Yemeni government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a no-fly zone, alongside a blockade on ports and crossings for 72 hours. The implications of this withdrawal and the ongoing tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia could significantly impact the future of the Saudi-led coalition and the broader conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2014.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Ministry of Defence announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen,” — UAE Ministry of Defence
- “It has been definitively confirmed that the United Arab Emirates pressured and directed the STC to undermine and rebel against the authority of the state through military escalation,” — Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council
