UAE Withdraws Forces from Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
In a significant development in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen. The decision came after Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council cancelled a defence pact with the UAE and demanded its troops leave the Yemeni soil within 24 hours. The UAE maintains that it's making the decision of its own volition,
and the timing of the announcement has raised questions about the escalating tensions in the region.
Background and Context
The UAE was part of the Saudi-led coalition formed in 2015 to fight Houthi rebels in Yemen, supporting the internationally recognized government. However, the recent escalation of tensions threatens to reignite the civil war and create wider tension among Gulf powers and oil producers.
Riyadh accused the UAE of backing separatists in Yemen, specifically the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a claim the UAE denies. Saudi Arabia also claimed that a shipment of weapons bound for these UAE-backed separatists was destroyed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike, marking a significant escalation between the two Gulf allies.
Recent Developments
The UAE's decision to withdraw its forces followed an airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla. Riyadh stated that the shipment included weapons intended for the separatists, a claim the UAE continues to deny.
In response to the airstrike, the UAE's Ministry of Defense announced the termination of its remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen, citing concerns for the safety of personnel.
Yemen's presidential council, backed by Saudi Arabia, has also severed its defense agreement with the UAE amid these mounting tensions.
Reactions and Implications
The recent escalation in Yemen has raised concerns about the potential reignition of the civil war and wider tensions in the region. The UAE's announcement of troop withdrawal came just as Saudi Arabia backed calls for UAE forces to leave Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has drawn a red line
around its national security, warning it will act decisively against any foreign military support for separatist groups in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition's airstrike, and the subsequent cancellation of Yemen's defence pact with the UAE, signifies a deepening rift between the two Gulf allies.
Current Status
As of now, the UAE has committed to withdraw its forces, but a specific timeline has not been announced. The escalating tensions between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the separatist forces in Yemen continue to cast a shadow over the region's stability. Despite the UAE's denial of backing separatist groups, the recent developments underscore the growing complexities and shifting alliances in Yemen's war.