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Wednesday, 31 December 2025 | Web Desk
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the voluntary termination of its counter-terrorism unit deployments in Yemen. The decision follows a comprehensive review in light of recent developments, according to a statement from the UAE’s Ministry of Defence.
The statement clarified that while the UAE withdrew its main military forces from Yemen in 2019, it had maintained some special counter-terrorism units in the country until now.
Yemen Issues Ultimatum, Saudi-Led Coalition Conducts Strike
This development comes shortly after Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), announced the cancellation of a joint defence agreement with the UAE. Arab media reports quoted Al-Alimi as stating that all UAE forces must leave Yemen within 24 hours.
Al-Alimi further declared a 72-hour complete air, land, and sea blockade on all Yemeni ports and transit routes.
The PLC’s directives emerged as the Saudi-led military coalition carried out a limited airstrike in Yemen, targeting the port of Mukalla. The coalition stated the operation was against foreign military support being provided to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), a southern secessionist group.
Saudi Arabia Backs Yemeni Government, Calls for UAE Withdrawal
In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on the UAE to withdraw its forces within 24 hours as per the Yemeni government’s demand and to immediately cease providing any military or financial support to any party.
Furthermore, the Saudi cabinet, in a session chaired by King Salman, reiterated its full support for Yemen’s security, the PLC, and the national government. The cabinet praised the Arab coalition’s operations in Yemen’s Hadramawt and Al-Mahra provinces and expressed hope that the UAE would implement the withdrawal, supporting the move.
Diverging Priorities: A Strained Alliance
Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined the same Arab coalition in 2015 against Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, their priorities have diverged over time.
Saudi Arabia has consistently emphasized Yemen’s unity, a central government, and a political solution. Conversely, the UAE has focused on security, ports, and counter-terrorism in southern Yemen, cultivating closer ties with the STC.
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These differences became more pronounced after the UAE’s 2019 military drawdown. The recent Mukalla incident and the ensuing statements have further highlighted the growing tension between the two allies.
