UAE 'completes' Yemen troop withdrawal as STC initiates two-year transition towards independence
United Arab Emirates says it has pulled back all forces from Yemen's southern regions amid clashes between Saudi- and Abu Dhabi-backed groups.
The UAE has said that it has completed the withdrawal of all its forces from Yemen, formally ending its remaining “counterterrorism” missions in the Arab country.
The Ministry of Defence has terminated its “remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners,” Emirati news agency WAM reported on Friday.
It added that the measure comes within the context of a “comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”
On December 30, the UAE announced it was “voluntarily“ ending its remaining “counterterrorism“ missions by early January, marking the complete end of its military presence amid strained Gulf relations.
Tensions escalated in late 2025 when UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists seized key eastern provinces of Yemen, including Hadramout, prompting Saudi air strikes on alleged UAE arms shipments and demands for Emirati withdrawal.
The UAE backs STC and has for years been part of Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, and has led the fight against the Houthis.
Referendum on independence
Meanwhile, STC said on Friday that it aims to hold a referendum on independence from the north in two years following its seizure of swathes of the country last month in a move that triggered a major feud between Gulf powers.
This statement followed claims by the STC that coalition strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 of their fighters in attacks on military bases in Al-Khasha and Seiyun, an official for the STC forces said on condition of anonymity.
The latest incident underscored how the standoff continues to escalate.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jabir, said the STC had prevented a delegation from Riyadh from landing at Aden airport, accusing the group of intransigence.
Yemeni government forces meanwhile said they have regained control of several key military positions in the eastern province of Hadhramaut as forces affiliated with the STC withdrew from major sites, according to local authorities and state media.
Hadhramaut Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi said the Nation’s Shield Forces captured the Brigade 37 camp in the Al-Khashaa area, north of the province, the state-run Yemen TV reported.
No further details were given about the takeover.
The camp is considered one of the most strategic military installations in Hadhramaut.
Tense borders
Yemen has seen an unprecedented escalation since Tuesday after STC forces took control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December.
The two provinces account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia accused the UAE the same day of “pushing STC forces to carry out military operations” along the kingdom’s southern border in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra.
Abu Dhabi denied the accusation.
The STC says successive Yemeni governments have marginalised southern regions politically and economically and calls for secession.
Yemeni authorities reject the claim and reaffirm their commitment to the country’s unity.