The United Arab Emirates confirmed on Friday that its remaining military forces have fully withdrawn from Yemen, while urging all parties to work toward de-escalation in the conflict-hit country.
The announcement comes amid renewed tensions, as deadly airstrikes recently targeted southern separatist forces backed by Abu Dhabi, highlighting the fragility of the security situation on the ground.
“The United Arab Emirates has ended the presence of its forces deployed to combat terrorism in Yemen,” a government official said in a statement.
The official emphasized that the UAE remains committed to political solutions, adding that the country “continues to support dialogue, de-escalation, and internationally backed processes as the only sustainable path toward peace.”
The UAE has played a key role in the Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015, initially citing the need to counter extremist groups and restore stability. While Abu Dhabi began scaling back its military footprint several years ago, Friday’s statement marks the first official confirmation that all remaining forces have now left the country.
Despite the withdrawal, the UAE maintains strong ties with local allies in southern Yemen, particularly separatist groups that advocate for greater autonomy or independence. Recent airstrikes against these forces have raised concerns about a potential escalation and the risk of renewed instability.
International observers continue to call for restraint, warning that further violence could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending one of the region’s most protracted conflicts.