UAE Pulls Troops from East Yemen, Saudi Arabia's Nervous Border Threatened

DUBAI - The UAE officially announced the end of its military presence serving as an anti-terror force with international partners since 2019 in Yemen.

The UAE Ministry of Defense in its statement broadcast by AN via the Emirates News Agency said that the decision was taken by the UAE without pressure and had coordinated with the relevant international partners to ensure the safety of UAE soldiers.

The decision on Tuesday, December 30, was also considered because the UAE had completed its mission as part of the Arab Coalition supporting the legitimate Government of Yemen.

The UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to support legitimacy in Yemen, combat terrorist organizations, and promote security and stability in the country.

Previously, the UAE reiterated its commitment to the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, rejecting any action that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.

The commitment is part of the response to Saudi Arabia's response to developments in Yemen. The UAE stressed full respect for Saudi Arabia's national security and considered the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries as the foundation of regional stability.

The UAE explained that its position from the beginning regarding the situation in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra provinces in eastern Yemen focused on controlling tensions, supporting de-escalation, seeking to reach an understanding that maintains security, stability, and the protection of civilians, which will continue to coordinate with Saudi Arabia.

The Middle Eastern country has firmly refused to be involved in the conflict between the Yemeni factions. Including condemning the allegations that the UAE pressured or directed the conflicting parties in Yemen to carry out military operations that threatened the security of Saudi Arabia or the border region.

The UAE also called on parties to the conflict in eastern Yemen to prevent escalation, not to be easily provoked by relying on verified information and to maintain regional security and stability.