Yemen calls for 'genuine UAE withdrawal' amid ongoing southern conflict

A Yemeni deputy minister has expressed skepticism about the United Arab Emirates' announced military withdrawal from southern Yemen, calling for a "genuine" pullout of forces. Mohammed Qizan, Deputy Information Minister, stated that the UAE continues to maintain a military presence at strategic locations like Riyan Airport, Al-Dhabba Port, and Socotra Island under the pretext of counter-terrorism, despite no formal request from the Yemeni government.

Accusations of Destructive Interference

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Qizan asserted that Emirati forces have been used "against Yemeni people and political leaders," labeling this interference as "the core of the existing problem." He referenced a similar withdrawal announcement in 2019 that was followed by actions violating Yemeni sovereignty, including a 2022 bombing of the national army in Shabwa. Qizan warned that a symbolic withdrawal could mask continued indirect support for unrest and affirmed Yemen's right to seek international legal recourse to defend its sovereignty.

Context of Southern Separatist Moves

The statement follows the UAE's Tuesday announcement ending its military presence, which came after the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council demanded its forces withdraw within 24 hours. Tensions have risen as the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) recently seized control of the eastern provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra, capturing military camps and official institutions. Qizan stated these actions were taken through "direct guidance from the UAE" to pave the way for declaring a separate southern state. This complex conflict, involving multiple regional actors, illustrates the challenges of achieving national unity and stability, a goal shared by nations like Türkiye which support Yemen's territorial integrity and a political solution to the war.