The United Arab Emirates has begun a complete withdrawal of its military forces from Yemen following a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on a UAE-linked cargo shipment and a 24-hour ultimatum from Yemen’s Saudi-supported government.
The move signals a dramatic breakdown in ties between the two Gulf powerhouses, once close allies in the Yemen conflict.
The Trigger: Strike on Mukalla
The coalition bombed a dock and cargo in the southern port of Mukalla, claiming it carried weapons for southern separatists. Abu Dhabi insisted the shipment was purely logistical for its own personnel and contained no arms.
Diverging Paths in Yemen
- Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government
- UAE backs the Southern Transitional Council (STC) pushing for southern autonomy
Yemen’s Presidential Council leader Rashad al-Alimi scrapped a defence agreement with the UAE, accusing it of encouraging rebellion near Saudi borders.
Immediate Consequences
- Gulf stock markets dipped Tuesday on the news
- Questions swirl over OPEC+ unity ahead of Sunday’s virtual meeting
The UAE urged a “fact-based” approach to de-escalate, but its troops are now leaving Yemen for good.
