Gulf Fault Lines: UAE’s Yemen Withdrawal Ignites Fiery Rift with Saudi Arabia
The intricate geopolitical landscape of the Arabian Peninsula is once again in flux, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announces the complete withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen. This move, framed by Abu Dhabi as a conclusion to its counter-terrorism efforts, has ignited an unprecedented diplomatic firestorm with regional ally Saudi Arabia, signaling a deepening rift within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
A Strategic Retreat Amidst Mounting Accusations
In a recent statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legitimacy and combating ‘terrorist organizations’ in Yemen, asserting that it had largely concluded its military presence in 2019. The remaining specialized personnel, dedicated to counter-terrorism, have now been voluntarily withdrawn, according to the ministry. This declaration, however, arrives amidst a flurry of accusations from Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has vehemently accused the UAE of exerting pressure on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to conduct military operations along its southern borders. Riyadh condemned these actions as a ‘threat to the Kingdom’s national security, and the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and the region.’ The Kingdom further issued an ultimatum, urging the UAE to withdraw all its forces from Yemen within 24 hours and cease all military and financial support to any party within the conflict-ridden nation.
UAE Rejects Allegations, Cites ‘Inaccuracies’
In a swift and sharp rebuttal, the UAE dismissed Saudi Arabia’s remarks as containing ‘inaccuracies’ regarding Abu Dhabi’s role in the ongoing Yemeni developments. The UAE ‘categorically rejects any attempt to implicate the country in tensions among Yemeni parties and strongly denounces allegations that it exerted pressure on, or issued directives to, any Yemeni party to undertake military operations that would undermine the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or target its borders.’
This escalating war of words follows recent Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, which were quickly followed by Riyadh’s demands for a complete UAE withdrawal. The exchange underscores a ‘simmering distrust’ that has long characterized the relationship between the two powerful Gulf nations, as noted by international media outlets like Reuters.
The Broader Geopolitical Chessboard
Sources from the Gulf region suggest that the current feud may have been triggered by a ‘misperception resulting from talks in Washington’ between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former US President Donald Trump, potentially concerning the conflict in Sudan. Despite high-level diplomatic efforts, including phone calls between Saudi Arabia and the UAE since December, concrete resolutions on the ground have yet to materialize.
As the UAE fully disengages from Yemen, the implications for regional stability, the future of the Saudi-led coalition, and the already complex Yemeni conflict remain profound. The unfolding events highlight not just a divergence in strategy but a fundamental challenge to the unity and cohesion of the GCC at a critical juncture for Middle Eastern security.
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