Yemen: Yemen expressed hope on Wednesday for a 'genuine' withdrawal of the forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the country's southern regions as Abu Dhabi continues to maintain a partial military presence in some areas.
According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE maintains a military presence at Riyan Airport in Mukalla, Al-Dhabba Port, Socotra Island, and Mayun Island 'under the pretext of combating terrorism,' despite the Yemeni government not making such a request, Deputy Information Minister Mohammed Qizan told the Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel.
Qizan stated that the Yemeni government is seeking 'a real withdrawal, not merely statements meant to appease public opinion.' The Emirati forces stationed in the southern governorates were reportedly used 'against Yemeni people and political leaders,' which Qizan referred to as 'the core of the existing problem.'
He recalled a previous announcement made by the UAE in 2019 regarding the withdrawal of forces, which was followed by actions that 'violated Yemeni sovereignty,' including the bombing of the national army in the Shabwa governorate in 2022. Qizan warned that any symbolic withdrawal could be followed by indirect support aimed at inciting unrest and affirmed that the Yemeni government reserves the right to appeal to international courts to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial unity.
Regarding the current situation, Qizan indicated that some army units have withdrawn from their positions in the south, while others surrendered or declared loyalty to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) under duress. He noted that the chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council had instructed the armed forces and security services to return to their barracks and coordinate with local authorities and the coalition leadership.
Recent movements by the STC in Hadramout and Mahra governorates, according to Qizan, were executed through 'a unilateral decision and with direct guidance from the UAE,' involving the seizure of state military camps and official institutions, lowering the republican flag, and creating chaos to pave the way for the declaration of a so-called southern state.
The UAE announced on Tuesday the end of its military presence in Yemen after the Presidential Leadership Council demanded the withdrawal of its forces within 24 hours. This move came soon after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen conducted a "limited" airstrike targeting two ships linked to the UAE at the Mukalla port in Yemen, following the STC's capture of the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra earlier this month after clashes with government forces.