Escalating Strains: UAE Exits Yemen Following Saudi Airstrike on Mukalla

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has unveiled new information regarding its recent coalition airstrike on Mukalla, Yemen, which has strained its relationship with the UAE. Following this strike, Abu Dhabi has declared its intention to withdraw all remaining military personnel from Yemen.

Details of the Coalition Strike

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki showcased images from the early morning assault, asserting that intelligence had pinpointed two vessels at the port, transporting over 80 vehicles and containers filled with arms and ammunition.

Saudi officials revealed that this cargo was transferred with Emirati personnel to the al-Rayyan military base without prior coordination with Riyadh. Al-Maliki emphasized that the operation adhered to the rules of engagement and did not cause civilian casualties.

UAE's Decision to Withdraw Forces

In the aftermath of the airstrike, the UAE announced the conclusion of its counterterrorism mission in Yemen and the imminent withdrawal of its troops. This decision was influenced by escalating demands from Yemen's internationally recognized government, which sought the Emirati forces' departure within 24 hours, a stance supported by Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Defence released a statement indicating that it had thoroughly evaluated the situation and decided to end its mission to maintain the safety and effectiveness of its forces.

Rifts Over Support for Southern Separatists

This strike has laid bare the discord within the Saudi-led coalition, which has been combating the Houthi rebels since 2015. Riyadh has accused Abu Dhabi of backing the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist faction pursuing independence in southern Yemen.

The STC, previously allied with the Saudi-backed government, has initiated military actions and claimed territories in the strategically significant Hadramout and Mahara provinces that border Saudi Arabia. Riyadh regards these developments as a direct threat to its national security.

Termination of Defence Agreement

Post-strike, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi annulled a defence deal with the UAE, mandating the withdrawal of Emirati forces. He accused Abu Dhabi of facilitating the STC's military aggression against the state.

Saudi Arabia endorsed this action and urged the UAE to cease any military or financial backing of local factions in Yemen.

UAE Refutes Saudi Claims

The UAE has dismissed accusations suggesting the shipment contained weapons for the STC, asserting that the cargo was solely for its forces. Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its commitment to regional security while pursuing a solution to mitigate further conflict.

Reactions from the Region and Beyond

Qatar has welcomed the statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, interpreting them as a commitment to regional stability and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) principles. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in discussions with U.S. and Pakistani officials regarding the evolving situation.

Concerns of Broader Impacts

Experts caution that the rifts within the anti-Houthi coalition could undermine efforts to stabilize Yemen. Saudi scholar Hesham Alghannam indicated that eastern Yemen is a critical national security priority for Riyadh, highlighting its strategic location, energy resources, and port facilities.

He warned that any fragmented or partial withdrawal might ultimately benefit the Houthis, exacerbating divisions among rival factions.