Key Facts
- ✓ The UAE announced it will withdraw all remaining forces from Yemen.
- ✓ The decision follows the cancellation of a defense pact by Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council.
- ✓ Yemen's presidential council requested UAE forces leave the country within 24 hours.
- ✓ The UAE described the withdrawal as voluntary.
Quick Summary
The UAE has confirmed the withdrawal of all its remaining military forces from Yemen. This announcement follows a decision by Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council to cancel a defense pact with the Emirates.
The Yemeni government formally asked UAE troops to depart the country within a strict 24-hour period. In response, the UAE stated that the withdrawal is being carried out voluntarily. This move signifies a major change in the regional security landscape and the foreign military footprint in Yemen.
The Defense Pact Cancellation
The catalyst for the withdrawal was the abrupt cancellation of a defense agreement. Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council took the step of terminating the pact that had previously authorized the presence of UAE military personnel.
Along with the cancellation, the council issued a direct request for the removal of foreign troops. The timeline provided for this exit was immediate, requiring UAE forces to leave within 24 hours. This diplomatic maneuver effectively ended the legal framework supporting the UAE's military operations in the country.
UAE's Response and Withdrawal
In response to the request from Yemen's leadership, the UAE announced its compliance. The government described the withdrawal as a voluntary action. This phrasing suggests a cooperative exit rather than a forced eviction, maintaining diplomatic decorum.
The UAE is now in the process of removing all remaining military assets and personnel from Yemen. The withdrawal is being executed in accordance with the 24-hour deadline established by the Saudi-backed presidential council. This concludes the UAE's direct military involvement in the region.
Regional Implications
The departure of UAE forces marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Yemen conflict. The UAE has been a key player in the region, and this withdrawal alters the balance of military support on the ground.
This development also highlights the evolving relationship between the UAE and the Saudi-backed presidential council. The cancellation of the defense pact indicates a change in strategic priorities for the Yemeni leadership. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as Yemen adjusts to this new security arrangement.
Future Outlook
With the UAE forces leaving, questions remain regarding the security vacuum that may result. The Saudi-backed presidential council will likely need to bolster its own forces to maintain stability.
The UAE has not indicated if this withdrawal extends to other forms of support, such as financial or logistical aid. However, the removal of boots on the ground represents a tangible reduction in direct foreign military intervention in Yemen. The coming days will determine the long-term impact of this decision on the peace process.
