UAE(The COW News Digital)The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the withdrawal of its military forces from Yemen, stating that its counterterrorism mission in the country has been successfully completed. The decision comes amid rising political tensions and shifting alliances within Yemen’s complex conflict landscape.
In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Defense, officials said Emirati forces were pulled out after concluding operations against terrorist groups. The ministry emphasized that the withdrawal was carried out in full coordination with partners on the ground and described the mission as having met its stated objectives. According to the statement, all UAE military personnel were brought back safely as part of a voluntary and carefully planned decision.
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The announcement follows recent developments in Yemen’s political arena. Days earlier, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) declared the termination of a defense agreement with the UAE and ordered Emirati troops to leave the country. The decision reflected growing friction between Yemen’s internationally recognized authorities and Abu Dhabi over security and political influence in southern and eastern regions.
After the PLC’s announcement, Saudi Arabia reportedly urged the UAE to comply with the Yemeni government’s demand within 24 hours. Riyadh also called for an immediate halt to any military or financial support to local armed groups. These demands highlighted underlying strains within the Saudi-led coalition, which has been involved in Yemen since 2015.
The UAE responded by expressing disappointment over the Saudi statement, firmly rejecting accusations leveled against it. Emirati officials have consistently maintained that their involvement in Yemen focused on counterterrorism efforts and regional security rather than internal political disputes.
The troop withdrawal also comes at a sensitive time, as southern Yemen’s separatist movement, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), recently unveiled a two-year plan to establish an independent southern state. The STC announced intentions to draft a new constitution for southern Yemen, framing the move as a step toward full sovereignty rather than outright secession.
Analysts say the UAE’s exit could significantly impact the balance of power in southern Yemen, where the STC holds considerable influence and has previously received Emirati backing. The development raises questions about the future of security arrangements in the region and the ability of local forces to fill the vacuum left by departing foreign troops.
Yemen’s conflict, now entering its second decade, remains deeply fragmented, with political divisions, economic collapse, and humanitarian suffering continuing to define daily life for millions. The UAE’s withdrawal marks another major shift in the evolving war, underlining how regional dynamics continue to reshape the course of the conflict.
