The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the withdrawal of all its counterterrorism units from Yemen following a Saudi-led coalition's air strikes on a port in southern Yemen, according to an official statement released on December 30, 2025. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two Gulf nations, with Riyadh accusing Abu Dhabi of providing weapons and military vehicles to support Yemen's separatist movement. The UAE has denied these allegations.

The Saudi-led coalition's air strikes targeted a port facility allegedly used by the UAE to deliver military aid to the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC has been vying for control of southern Yemen, challenging the authority of the internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. The incident marks a significant escalation in the long-simmering tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who were once close allies in the fight against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

"The decision to withdraw our counterterrorism forces is a strategic one, aimed at recalibrating our approach to the Yemeni conflict," stated a UAE official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We remain committed to combating terrorism, but we believe a different strategy is now required."

Analysts suggest the withdrawal reflects a growing divergence in strategic goals between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen. While Saudi Arabia remains focused on containing the Houthi rebels, who control much of northern Yemen, the UAE has increasingly prioritized countering Islamist groups and supporting the STC in the south. This divergence has led to friction and mistrust between the two countries.

The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result of the fighting, disease, and starvation. The withdrawal of UAE forces could further complicate the situation, potentially emboldening the STC and leading to renewed clashes with government forces.

"This withdrawal could create a power vacuum in southern Yemen, which could be exploited by various armed groups," said Dr. Aisha al-Mahri, a Yemen expert at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies. "It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize de-escalation and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

The Saudi-led coalition has not yet commented on the UAE's withdrawal. However, sources within the coalition have expressed concern about the potential impact on the fight against the Houthi rebels. The future of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen remains uncertain, with growing calls for a negotiated settlement to the conflict. The situation is developing, and further announcements are expected from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the coming days.