Hours after a Saudi Arabian deadline was issued, the United Arab Emirates has officially ended its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen, citing a "voluntary" decision following a comprehensive assessment. In a parallel statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Saudi allegations regarding military operations at Mukalla Port, denying claims that it armed local factions to undermine the kingdom's security. The state news agency reported that the UAE remains committed to the Saudi-led coalition despite the diplomatic friction.
The Saudi deadline came alongside an overnight bombing of the port of Mukalla, where Riyadh said UAE was supplying separatists who were trying to break away from the recognized government of Yemen. The Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia have both tried to fight the Iranian-backed Houthis who rule in norhthwestern Yemen, they back different militias when it comes control over the rest of the country. While Riyadh backs forces affiliated with the recognized government that the Houthis toppled, the UAE has backed a group called Southern Transitional Council, a group that Saudi Arabia believes to be undermining the anti-Houthi stance. Saudi Arabia, wary that such the UAE-supported fighters on its doorstep will potentially result in the Houthis being a Saudi-only problem and create a fractured Yemen on its border, has warned that it would not let the UAE create its own puppet state. The UAE on the other hand, wants to use the STC to counter Muslim Brotherhood tendencies among various elements of the Yemeni government, something that Saudi Arabia has been less concerned about.
The UAE government categorically denied allegations that it manipulated Yemeni factions to conduct military operations endangering Saudi territory or borders, according to the state news agency. Officials reiterated their unwavering commitment to the kingdom's stability and sovereignty, rejecting any actions that might threaten regional security, the state news agency noted. The ministry affirmed that the historic bond between the two nations remains central to regional stability.
Regarding Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah, the ministry stated its position remained focused on calming tensions and safeguarding civilians alongside Saudi partners, according to the report. The Foreign Ministry rejected the Coalition spokesperson's comments on the Mukalla Port incident, claiming the statement regarding conflict incitement was made without member consultation, the state news agency reported. Authorities clarified the cargo consisted of vehicles for UAE forces rather than weapons for local parties, and insisted prior coordination with Riyadh existed, according to the state news agency. The report noted the UAE's surprise at the targeting of the vehicles despite agreements they would not leave the port.
The ministry asserted that its military presence aimed to restore legitimacy and combat terror within the Arab Coalition framework, acknowledging past sacrifices, the state news agency reported. The statement questioned the handling of these events given threats from al-Qaida, the Houthis, and the Muslim Brotherhood, urging unity against extremism, according to the state news agency. Finally, the ministry called for responsible, fact-based dialogue to prevent escalation and advance a political resolution to the conflict, the state news agency reported.
