UAE Defence Ministry Clarifies Yemen Deployment And Counterterrorism Withdrawal

The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates states that remaining UAE counterterrorism personnel are being withdrawn from the Republic of Yemen. The step follows an internal review of recent developments and is described as a voluntary decision taken to protect personnel and maintain mission safety.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the drawdown covers the limited number of specialised forces that had continued operating in Yemen. These personnel were engaged in counterterrorism tasks conducted in coordination with international partners, and their activities focused on addressing threats from terrorist organisations.

The Ministry of Defence explains that this latest move is part of a broader assessment of current security needs. Officials state that the measure aligns with the wider commitments of the United Arab Emirates to regional security and stability, and reflects the requirements of the present phase in Yemen and beyond.

The Ministry of Defence recalls that the UAE Armed Forces ended their broader military presence in the Republic of Yemen in 2019. At that point, the forces had completed their assigned missions under the agreed official frameworks of the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy, which had guided previous operations in the country.

The Ministry of Defence further notes that the United Arab Emirates has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015. Participation supported legitimacy in Yemen, reinforced international efforts against terrorist groups, and aimed to enhance security and stability for the Yemeni population, with the UAE recording significant sacrifices during those years.

With inputs from WAM