File Photo: An Emirati flag fluttering above Dubai. AFP
"The UAE concluded the presence of its counterterrorism forces," a government official said, adding it "remains committed to dialogue, de-escalation, and internationally supported processes as the only sustainable path to peace.|
On Tuesday, the UAE announced the voluntary end of its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen, withdrawing its remaining specialized teams from the country.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence noted, “Given recent developments and their potential repercussions on the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism operations, the defence ministry announces, of its own volition, the termination of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the relevant partners."
The UAE defence ministry added that "the UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015, supporting the international efforts to combat terrorist organizations to achieve security and stability in Yemen."
Emirati personnel, it said, made “significant sacrifices” in pursuit of those objectives.
Earlier Tuesday, Saudi Arabia issued a statement accusing Abu Dhabi of sending arms to southern separatists and demanded that the UAE end all military presence in Yemen within 24 hours.
In tandem, the head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, declared a state of emergency and cancelled a security pact with the United Arab Emirates.
Shortly after, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the Saudi accusations that it was arming separatists as "fundamentally inaccurate."
Short link: