The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially taken its last soldiers out of Yemen. This is a big change. It shows that there are problems inside the Saudi-led group fighting in Yemen. The UAE said it stopped counterterrorism work. However, this move comes after disagreements with Saudi Arabia. The UAE was accused of helping groups in Yemen that want to separate.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said the decision was theirs. They said it was a strategic choice. The situation changed and affected their work. The UAE soldiers left quickly. This was after a request from Yemen's Presidential Council. The UAE was a main partner with Saudi Arabia for six years. They were fighting against the Houthi movement.
There are clear arguments between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said the UAE encouraged a group called the Southern Transitional Council. This group wants southern Yemen to be independent. Saudi Arabia said these actions hurt its security. The Southern Transitional Council recently took control of some areas.
Saudi Arabia recently bombed the port of Mukalla. They said they were targeting weapons for UAE-backed groups. The Southern Transitional Council has been very active. They have taken important areas in southern Yemen. This has stopped the long fight from moving forward.
The UAE is moving its soldiers out. This is seen as a reaction to world pressures. It is also about power fights inside Yemen. The group that started to fight the Houthis now has different goals. They do not work together as well.
This withdrawal will have many effects. It could change power in the region. It might make Yemeni groups stronger. Saudi Arabia has a big problem now. It must deal with the disagreements. Saudi Arabia has warned it will take action. This could affect more than just Yemen. The relationships are changing again.