UAE to Withdraw From Yemen After Saudi Strike on Separatist-Held Port

For years, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have stood together as close partners in the Middle East. They worked side-by-side in the long and painful war in Yemen. But now, that partnership has been shaken. After a Saudi airstrike on a port controlled by UAE-backed separatists, the UAE has said it will pull its remaining troops out of Yemen. This decision marks one of the biggest changes in the Yemen conflict in recent years.

In this article, we will look at what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for the people of Yemen and the wider region.

A Strike That Changed Everything

The crisis began when Saudi-led coalition jets struck the Yemeni port city of Mukalla. This port was controlled by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful separatist group supported by the UAE.

Saudi Arabia said it launched the strike because weapons and military vehicles had arrived there illegally. According to Saudi officials, these weapons could change the balance of power inside Yemen and threaten national security. They also believed the shipment was linked to the UAE.

The UAE strongly denied sending weapons. But the damage was done. The strike caused major tension between the two countries, and the political relationship that once looked strong suddenly appeared fragile.

Soon after the attack, the UAE announced that it would withdraw its last remaining forces from Yemen, officially ending its military role there.

The Background: A War Already Divided

To understand why this matters, it helps to know a little about the war in Yemen.

The main conflict has been between:

The Houthi movement in the north — backed by Iran

The internationally recognized government — backed by Saudi Arabia

But this is not the only divide. In the south, the Southern Transitional Council wants an independent south Yemen, separate from the north. The STC receives strong support from the UAE, including training and funding.

So although Saudi Arabia and the UAE were technically on the same side against the Houthis, they supported different local allies. Over time, this created friction. The recent Saudi strike made that friction explode into the open.

Saudi Arabia’s Ultimatum

After the strike, Saudi Arabia backed a call for the UAE to withdraw its forces completely. Reports said this was presented almost as an ultimatum.

In response, the UAE said that:

Its remaining troops in Yemen were mainly counter-terrorism units

Their mission had now ended

The withdrawal was voluntary and coordinated

Still, the timing made it clear: relations between the two powerful Gulf states had reached a crisis point.

A Rare Rift Between Close Partners

For many years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have worked closely together — not only in Yemen, but on wider regional policies. This is why the current dispute feels so dramatic.

Their disagreements are not only military. They also have different views about Yemen’s future.

Saudi Arabia wants a united Yemen

The UAE is seen as backing southern autonomy or independence

The Mukalla strike brought these differences into the open.

Diplomats now warn that the Gulf region could become more unstable if the two countries continue to drift apart.

What Happens to Yemen Now?

For ordinary Yemenis, this crisis adds to an already difficult situation.

Yemen has been suffering from:

Years of wa

Economic collapse

Hunger and disease

A lack of jobs, schools, and healthcare

The UAE’s withdrawal could change the balance of power in the south. The STC still controls key areas and has refused to step back. At the same time, the Houthi movement still controls the capital, Sanaa, in the north.

Some analysts fear the country could become even more divided, with:

Houthis in the north

Separatists in the south

And little real national unity

Others hope the withdrawal might reduce foreign influence and open the door to peace talks. But for now, the future remains uncertain.

Why This Story Matters Beyond Yemen

This is not only a local story. It affects the whole Middle East.

Here’s why:

Two major Gulf powers are now in dispute

Regional alliances may shift

Energy markets and global trade could feel the impact

Iran and other players may try to take advantage of the divide

What happens next will not only shape Yemen — it could reshape politics across the region.

The Human Side of the Story

It is easy to focus on governments, armies, and strategy. But the real impact is felt by ordinary people.

Families in Mukalla and across Yemen live with uncertainty every day. Jobs are scarce. Food prices are high. Many children have never known peace.

Whether the UAE stays or leaves, whether Saudi Arabia escalates or steps back — the greatest hope is that this crisis does not lead to more suffering. For now, Yemeni civilians continue to wait and hope for a future without warplanes in the sky.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s decision to withdraw from Yemen after the Saudi strike on a separatist-held port marks a turning point. It shows how fragile even strong alliances can be when local conflicts grow more complex.

The world will be watching to see whether this moment leads to:

More conflict, as rival groups compete for power

or

New diplomatic efforts, aimed at ending a war that has already gone on far too long

One thing is certain: the people of Yemen deserve peace — and the sooner, the better.