Khaberni - The UAE Ministry of Defense announced this evening, Friday, the completion of the return of all elements of the UAE Armed Forces from the Republic of Yemen.
The ministry's statement read: "The Ministry of Defense in the United Arab Emirates announces the completion of the return of all elements of the UAE Armed Forces from the Republic of Yemen, in implementation of the decision announced to end the remaining counter-terrorism missions, ensuring the safety of the personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners."
The tension in Yemen escalated after forces of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council took control of the provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahra in eastern the country at the beginning of December.
On the 27th of the same month, Rashad Al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, requested military support from the international coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen led by Saudi Arabia, and issued a decree canceling the joint defense agreement with the UAE, demanding their withdrawal of their forces within a 24-hour deadline.
In the same context, Saudi Arabia publicly accused the UAE of supporting the rebellion, while Abu Dhabi announced the end of its limited counter-terrorism unit activities in Yemen, firmly rejecting any implication of its name in the ongoing tension among the Yemeni parties.
