Abu Dhabi – The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates issued a statement on Tuesday, affirming its reference to the Foreign Ministry’s earlier declaration regarding the ongoing developments in Yemen and clarifying the facts surrounding the UAE Armed Forces’ presence within the framework of the Arab Coalition supporting legitimacy.

The ministry underscored that the UAE has been part of the coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen, support international initiatives against terrorist organizations, and achieve security and stability for the Yemeni people. It highlighted the heavy sacrifices made by Emirati personnel in pursuit of these objectives.

According to the statement, the UAE Armed Forces ended their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the agreed missions, with only specialized teams remaining to support counterterrorism operations in coordination with international partners.

In light of recent developments and their potential impact on the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announced the termination of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen of its own accord, ensuring the safety of its personnel and maintaining coordination with relevant partners.

The ministry emphasized that this step reflects a comprehensive assessment of current requirements and aligns with the UAE’s commitments and role in supporting regional security and stability.