The United Arab Emirates has announced the complete withdrawal of its troops from Yemen following heightened tensions in the conflict-ridden nation, which had caused a rift between the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia, another influential Gulf country.
In a statement issued by the U.A.E. Defence Ministry, it was stated that the decision to pull out the troops was in line with the conclusion of the remaining counterterrorism missions as previously planned. Although specific details regarding the number of soldiers and equipment withdrawn were not disclosed, there were noticeable movements of Emirati military cargo flights to and from Yemen in recent days.
Meanwhile, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist movement in Yemen backed by the U.A.E., has put forth a constitution for an independent nation in the southern region. The STC’s declaration was aimed at establishing independence for the south, although the practical implications of this move remain uncertain and may be largely symbolic.
Recent developments saw STC-affiliated fighters seizing control of two southern provinces from forces backed by Saudi Arabia and capturing the Presidential Palace in Aden, the main city in the south. Consequently, members of the internationally recognized government, previously based in Aden, sought refuge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In response to these events, Saudi warplanes conducted airstrikes on camps and military positions held by the STC in Hadramout province. The conflict between the STC and Saudi-backed forces has escalated, with Saudi Arabia reportedly targeting a shipment of Emirati weaponry destined for the separatists.
Despite being part of a Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, tensions between various factions and the Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. have strained relations within the coalition. This discord threatens to lead to direct conflict, further destabilizing the already war-torn and impoverished country.