The United Arab Emirates has announced the complete withdrawal of all its military forces from Yemen, marking a significant shift in the Gulf nation’s involvement in the war-torn country as regional tensions continue to intensify.
The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed early Saturday that it had fulfilled a previously announced commitment to pull out its remaining troops, including specialized counterterrorism units that had been operating in the southern regions of Yemen.
“The UAE forces follows the implementation of a previously announced decision to conclude the remaining missions of counterterrorism units,” the Defense Ministry stated in an official announcement shared on social media platforms by local news outlets. “The process has been conducted in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and carried out in coordination with all relevant partners.”
The timing of this complete military disengagement comes as Yemen’s crisis reaches new levels of complexity, with separatist movements in the country’s southern regions making increasingly bold moves toward independence. The withdrawal represents the culmination of a gradual reduction in UAE military presence that began several years ago as the country reassessed its strategic priorities in the region.
The UAE’s military involvement in Yemen began in 2015 as part of a Saudi-led coalition aimed at restoring the internationally recognized government and countering Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. However, the Emirati forces primarily focused their operations in southern Yemen, where they worked closely with local separatist groups and conducted extensive counterterrorism operations against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
This complete troop withdrawal signals a major recalibration of the UAE’s foreign policy approach, as the Gulf nation increasingly focuses on diplomatic solutions and economic partnerships rather than direct military intervention. The move also comes at a time when regional powers are reassessing their roles in various Middle Eastern conflicts.
The announcement has significant implications for the ongoing Yemeni conflict, which has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. With UAE forces no longer present, questions arise about the future security arrangements in southern Yemen and the potential impact on counterterrorism operations in the region.
The withdrawal was reportedly coordinated with international partners and conducted with careful attention to personnel safety, according to the Defense Ministry’s statement. This methodical approach reflects the UAE’s commitment to responsible military disengagement while maintaining its broader diplomatic relationships in the region.
As Yemen continues to grapple with political fragmentation, humanitarian challenges, and ongoing conflict, the UAE’s complete military withdrawal marks the end of a significant chapter in the country’s involvement in Yemeni affairs, potentially opening new opportunities for diplomatic initiatives and regional stability efforts.
