UAE Steps Back,
But the STC Remains Defiant
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on the 30th (local time) that it would withdraw all its troops stationed in Yemen. The UAE has chosen to avoid a direct confrontation amid escalating tensions, as Saudi Arabia, which supports government forces in the Yemeni civil war, has recently launched a series of airstrikes against opposition forces backed by the UAE.
On the 30th (local time), Saudi Arabia's state-run TV released footage showing Saudi forces attacking weapons and armored vehicles supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Mukalla, Yemen. Photo by AP Yonhap News
According to the UAE's state-run WAM news agency, the UAE Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that it would "dismantle the remaining counterterrorism team in Yemen on its own." The Ministry of Defense explained that it had deployed troops to Yemen since 2015 to help establish legitimacy and security in the country, and after the official mission ended in 2019, only a small number of special forces remained for counterterrorism operations and cooperation with international partners. The ministry added that the dismantling of the counterterrorism team was "in consideration of recent developments and the potential impact these may have on the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism operations."
In response, the Saudi cabinet stated that it "hopes the UAE will cease military and financial support for factions in Yemen, including the Southern Transitional Council (STC)." The cabinet also said, "We hope the UAE will take the necessary steps to maintain friendly relations between the two countries," adding, "Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen bilateral relations." Previously, on the 26th, Saudi Arabia carried out an airstrike on the base of the separatist armed group STC in Yemen and, on this day, also struck UAE-supplied materials at the port of Mukalla in Yemen. While Saudi Arabia has supported the Yemeni government forces, the UAE has backed the STC, a separatist group seeking the revival of South Yemen, which was once an independent state.
Shortly after the airstrike, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing regret that "the brotherly nation UAE pressured the STC to launch military operations in the southern border area of Saudi Arabia," and demanded that the UAE withdraw its troops from Yemen within 24 hours.
In response, UAE government spokesperson Afra Al Hameli strongly condemned the claim that the UAE pressured Yemeni forces to threaten Saudi security or launch military operations targeting the border, clarifying that the report about weapons being unloaded at Mukalla Port was also untrue. She further stated, "The UAE affirms its firm commitment to the security and stability of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," emphasizing that "the UAE will continue to work to maintain close cooperation with Saudi Arabia," making it clear that it has no intention of escalating the confrontation.
However, the STC, which has received support from the UAE, remains defiant. STC spokesperson Anwar Al Tamimi said, "It is unfair to ask the rightful owners of the land to leave their own land," adding, "We are in a defensive posture and will respond to anything that approaches us."
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