WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to withdraw its remaining military forces from Yemen, signaling a major shift in its role in the long-running conflict after Saudi Arabia carried out a strike on a key port city.
Emirati officials said the decision reflects a reassessment of the country’s military posture and priorities in the region. While the UAE had already significantly reduced its presence in Yemen in recent years, a limited number of forces remained involved in advisory, training and security roles.
The announcement came shortly after Saudi Arabia launched an attack on a strategic port city, an escalation that highlighted the continued volatility of the conflict. The port is considered vital for commercial activity and the delivery of humanitarian aid, and fighting in and around it has previously raised concerns about civilian safety and supply disruptions.
In a statement, the UAE said it would focus instead on diplomatic efforts, regional stability and humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that a military solution alone cannot end the conflict. Officials stressed that the withdrawal does not mean abandoning Yemen, but rather changing the nature of the country’s involvement.
The UAE has been a key member of the Saudi-led coalition since the war began, playing a prominent role in southern Yemen and along strategic coastlines. Its drawdown in recent years had already altered the balance within the coalition, and the full withdrawal is expected to have significant political and military implications.
Yemeni political figures reacted cautiously to the announcement, with some welcoming the move as a step toward de-escalation, while others warned it could create new security gaps if not managed carefully. Analysts said the withdrawal could reshape alliances on the ground and accelerate negotiations among Yemeni factions.
Humanitarian organizations reiterated calls for restraint following the latest Saudi strike, warning that renewed fighting near ports and infrastructure could worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis. Millions of Yemenis remain dependent on aid, and any disruption to supply routes could have serious consequences.
Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the UAE’s decision, but the development adds pressure on all parties to re-engage in political talks aimed at ending the war.
As the UAE prepares to complete its pullout, attention is likely to turn to whether regional and international actors can translate shifting military dynamics into meaningful progress toward a negotiated settlement and long-term stability in Yemen.
Author: M.J
