UAE Ends Military Presence in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the termination of its military presence in Yemen, citing safety concerns amid escalating tensions in the country’s south. The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that the decision was made voluntarily to ensure the safety of its personnel and in coordination with relevant partners. This move follows Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi’s cancellation of a joint defense pact with the UAE and the issuance of a 24-hour withdrawal ultimatum for UAE forces. Alimi also declared a state of emergency, imposing a 72-hour air and land ban on all ports and border crossings. The announcement comes shortly after Saudi-led coalition forces conducted airstrikes targeting UAE-linked ships at Yemen’s Mukalla port. These developments highlight the growing instability in the region, particularly following the Southern Transitional Council’s recent takeover of eastern provinces.