According to the announcement, the UAE will pull out all of its residual troops stationed in Yemen, effectively ending its direct military presence on the ground. The decision follows Saudi Arabia’s stated support for the departure, with reports indicating that Riyadh endorsed the withdrawal and supported calls for UAE forces to leave Yemeni territory within a 24-hour timeframe.
The UAE has been a key member of the Saudi-led coalition since the intervention began, playing a significant role in military operations across southern Yemen. Its gradual drawdown of forces in recent years had already signaled a shift in strategy, but the latest decision marks a decisive step toward full disengagement from active deployment.
Regional analysts say the timing and tone of the withdrawal point to a serious diplomatic and military rift between two of the Gulf’s most powerful states. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have long been strategic partners, particularly in Yemen, the current episode suggests deepening disagreements over the conduct and objectives of the war.
The implications extend beyond bilateral relations. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major oil producers and influential actors in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Any visible fracture between them has the potential to reshape regional alliances, affect security dynamics in the Red Sea and Gulf regions, and complicate international efforts aimed at stabilizing Yemen.
As Yemen continues to grapple with prolonged conflict and humanitarian strain, the UAE’s withdrawal adds a new layer of uncertainty. Whether this move accelerates diplomatic efforts or further fragments the coalition remains to be seen, but it clearly signals a pivotal moment with consequences likely to be felt well beyond Yemen’s borders.
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