Middle East
Supporters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a coalition of separatist groups seeking to restore the state of South Yemen, hold South Yemen flags during a rally, in Aden, Yemen, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Photo: AP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Arab Emirates has announced a complete withdrawal from Yemen, bringing an end to what it described as its “counter-terrorism” mission in the war-torn country.
“The UAE forces are implementing a previously announced decision to conclude the remaining missions of counter-terrorism units,” the UAE Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “The process was carried out in a manner that ensured the safety of all personnel and in coordination with all relevant partners.”
The ministry added that the decision follows a “comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase” and aligns with the UAE’s stated commitment to supporting security and stability in the region.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions in Yemen after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of key eastern provinces, including Hadramout. The developments prompted Saudi airstrikes on what Riyadh described as UAE arms shipments and renewed calls for an Emirati withdrawal.
Although the STC is formally part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement since 2015, the group seeks to establish an independent southern Yemeni state. Earlier this week, the STC expanded military operations into Hadramout and al-Mahra - both bordering Saudi Arabia - triggering a sharp escalation.
Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE, a fellow coalition member, of backing and arming the STC - allegations that Abu Dhabi has denied.
Despite the UAE’s withdrawal, the STC has refused to withdraw its forces from the two provinces.
The escalating tensions have already disrupted daily life, with flights from Aden International Airport suspended on Thursday.
Despite Saudi-brokered power-sharing agreements and the STC’s inclusion in Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council in 2022, disputes over territory and resources persist, raising concerns that the latest escalation could further undermine prospects for a political settlement.
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