Yemen Cancels Defense Pact with UAE, Demands Withdrawal

Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council has taken decisive action against the United Arab Emirates by canceling a mutual defense pact. The council issued an ultimatum demanding that all UAE forces depart Yemen within 24 hours. This development represents a significant deterioration in relations between the two key Gulf powers involved in the Yemeni civil war. The cancellation of the agreement removes the legal framework for UAE military presence in the country. It signals a potential realignment of alliances within the region. The immediate withdrawal request suggests an urgent desire by the Saudi-backed leadership to assert sovereign control over military operations and alliances within Yemen's borders.

The Saudi-backed presidential council of Yemen has formally canceled a defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates. This decision was communicated directly to UAE officials. The termination of the pact removes the legal basis for the presence of UAE military personnel in Yemen. The council has taken a hardline stance on the matter, demanding a complete cessation of UAE military operations within the country. This move is expected to have immediate logistical and strategic implications for both nations. The defense pact previously served as a cornerstone of the military cooperation between the two Gulf states in their efforts to combat Houthi rebels.

The cancellation follows a period of increasing friction between the Saudi-backed government and the UAE regarding the direction of the war effort. The UAE has maintained a significant military footprint in Yemen for several years, supporting various local factions. However, the Saudi-backed council appears to be consolidating its authority and redefining the terms of foreign military support. By revoking the pact, the council asserts its dominance over military decisions made within Yemen's borders. This action highlights the complex dynamics of the coalition fighting in Yemen.

In a bold diplomatic move, the presidential council issued a demand for the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen. The timeline given for this withdrawal is extremely tight, set at just 24 hours. This ultimatum indicates that the council is no longer willing to host UAE troops under the previous terms. The demand for a rapid exit suggests a breakdown in trust and diplomatic negotiations. It remains unclear how the UAE will respond to this pressure. The presence of UAE forces has been a contentious issue, with differing views on their role and objectives within the country.

The request for the UAE to leave Yemen within 24 hours is a significant escalation. It forces the UAE to make an immediate strategic decision regarding its military commitment in the region. If the UAE complies, it could lead to a power vacuum in areas currently under their control. If they refuse, it could lead to a direct confrontation with the Saudi-backed forces. The Saudi-backed presidential council is clearly signaling that it prioritizes national sovereignty over continued foreign military presence. This ultimatum is the most direct challenge to the UAE's role in Yemen to date.

The cancellation of the defense pact and the demand for the UAE to withdraw forces have profound implications for the Middle East. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been the primary backers of the anti-Houthi coalition. A rift between these two nations could fracture the coalition, potentially weakening their collective military position. The Saudi-backed presidential council is attempting to navigate a path toward greater autonomy. This move may also influence the broader geopolitical landscape, as other regional powers observe the shifting allegiances. The stability of the Yemeni government remains precarious as these two powerful patrons clash over strategy.

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has been one of the most critical alliances in the region. However, the war in Yemen has exposed differing priorities and objectives. The Saudi-backed presidential council now seeks to centralize power and military command. The expulsion of UAE forces could lead to a realignment of local militias that have been backed by the UAE. This situation creates uncertainty regarding the future of the military campaign against the Houthi movement. The international community is watching closely to see if this rift will lead to a broader resolution or an intensification of the conflict.

The immediate future of the conflict in Yemen is now highly uncertain following the Saudi-backed presidential council's decision. The departure of UAE forces could alter the balance of power on the battlefield. It remains to be seen how the Houthi movement will react to this internal division within the anti-Houthi coalition. The council faces the challenge of filling the void left by the UAE withdrawal. This event could either be a catalyst for renewed peace talks or a trigger for further fragmentation among the anti-Houthi factions. The primary goal of the council remains the restoration of state institutions and the stabilization of the country.

As the 24-hour deadline approaches, the focus is on the response from Abu Dhabi. The Saudi-backed presidential council has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding foreign military presence. The outcome of this standoff will likely shape the trajectory of the Yemeni civil war for the coming months. The cancellation of the defense pact is a historic moment in the relations between the two Gulf nations. It underscores the complexity of the Yemeni crisis, where local conflicts are deeply intertwined with regional power dynamics.