Great clash in the Gulf! UAE withdraws forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia’s ultimatum, tension at its peak

UAE Yemen Troops Withdrawal: Amid the ongoing civil war in Yemen, relations between the two major powers of the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, have become deeply sour. On Tuesday, the UAE announced it was also withdrawing its remaining troops from Yemen. This decision has come at a time when Saudi Arabia has openly supported the demand of UAE forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours.

The UAE’s move came shortly after the Saudi-led coalition carried out an airstrike on the Mukalla port in southern Yemen. Riyadh says that foreign military aid was being delivered to UAE-backed southern separatist groups through this port. According to Saudi Arabia, this attack on an alleged arms consignment belonging to UAE is the biggest confrontation so far in the increasing tension between the two countries.

massive military withdrawal

The UAE Ministry of Defense clarified that it has voluntarily ended the mission of its counter-terrorism units deployed in Yemen. According to the ministry, this was its last active military presence after a large-scale military withdrawal in 2019. The statement said the UAE’s remaining role was limited to only limited special forces involved in counter-terrorism operations in coordination with international partners.

Decision taken after review

According to government news agency WAM, the decision has been taken after a comprehensive review in view of recent events. In the last few years, the difference in the strategic approach of Saudi Arabia and UAE regarding Yemen has continuously increased. While Saudi Arabia has emphasized support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government, the UAE has sided with separatist groups seeking self-rule in southern Yemen.

tensions within the coalition

These differences have further increased the tension within the alliance. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday described its national security as “Lakshman Rekha”, accusing the UAE of provoking southern separatists into military action, bringing the situation close to the Saudi border. This statement from Riyadh is considered to be the strictest reaction so far.

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The UAE expressed surprise over the airstrike and claimed that the consignment that was targeted did not contain weapons and was being sent for its own forces. Despite this, the current situation indicates that differences between the Gulf allies, who were once united against the Iran-backed Houthis, are now taking the form of open conflict.