December 31, 2025 | 11:05 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units in Yemen on late Tuesday, citing recent developments and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the ongoing operations.
In a statement issued by the Emirates News Agency, as quoted by Arab News, the UAE Ministry of Defense said the decision was taken voluntarily and in coordination with relevant international partners to ensure the safety of UAE personnel.
This follows a comprehensive assessment of the current conditions and aligns with the UAE's broader commitment to regional security and stability, the statement added.
The ministry recited that the UAE officially ended its military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing a mission agreed upon as part of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. Since then, its presence has been limited to special counter-terrorism teams operating alongside international partners.
Saudi Fighter Jets Attack
This move comes after a number of Saudi fighter jets launched an airstrike on the Mukalla Port in Hadramout Province, a rich oil region in southeastern Yemen, on Tuesday morning local time.
The Saudi Press Agency, as reported by Antara , stated that the Saudi-led coalition conducted a "limited" military operation targeting weapons and combat vehicles deployed at Mukalla Port.
Coalition spokesperson Turki Al Maliki said that two ships coming from the Fujairah Port in the UAE entered Mukalla on Saturday and Sunday without obtaining official permission from the Joint Forces Command of the coalition. He stated that the crews of the two ships deactivated the ships' tracking systems and unloaded a
large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles to support the Southern Transitional Council forces in Hadramout and Al-Mahra in eastern Yemen, bordering Saudi Arabia. The separatist council in southern Yemen is backed by the UAE to seek independence from Yemen.
Part of Anti-Houthi Coalition
The UAE has been part of the Saudi-led coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to support legitimacy in Yemen, combat the Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels, and promote security and stability in the country.
In response to recent Saudi statements regarding developments in Yemen, the UAE emphasized its full respect for Saudi national security and considered the fraternal relations and history between the two countries as the foundation for regional stability.
Abu Dhabi underscored its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
The UAE claimed that its position since the events in the Hadramawt and Al-Mahra provinces in eastern Yemen has been focused on tension control, supporting de-escalation, and seeking agreements to maintain the security, stability, and protection of civilians, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi vehemently rejected any attempts to involve it in tensions between Yemeni factions and condemned accusations that it pressured or directed any party to undertake military operations that threaten Saudi security or target its borders.
The UAE also called for the responsible handling of current developments in eastern Yemen to prevent escalation, urging reliance on verified facts and coordination among all relevant parties to protect shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.
Read: Yemen Scraps Defense Deal, Demands UAE Troop Withdrawal
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