Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its decision to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen, marking a significant development in the country's involvement in the ongoing conflict. This move comes after the UAE faced an ultimatum to withdraw its troops, highlighting the complexities and challenges of the Yemeni civil war. The conflict, which began in 2015, has drawn in several regional and international actors, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, with each side having its own interests and agendas. In this article, we will delve into the background of the UAE's involvement in Yemen, the reasons behind its decision to withdraw, and the potential implications of this move for the region.

Background of the UAE's Involvement in Yemen

The UAE's involvement in Yemen dates back to 2015, when it joined a Saudi-led coalition to support the internationally recognized government of Yemen against the Houthi rebels. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, had taken control of the capital city of Sana'a and were making gains in other parts of the country. The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, saw the Houthi takeover as a threat to regional stability and security, particularly given the group's ties to Iran. The UAE's military intervention in Yemen was aimed at restoring the legitimate government and pushing back against Iranian influence in the region.

The UAE's military campaign in Yemen was marked by significant successes, including the recapture of the port city of Aden and the defeat of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in several areas. However, the conflict has also been marked by allegations of human rights abuses, including the use of cluster bombs and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The UAE has denied these allegations, but they have contributed to a growing international outcry over the humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Reasons Behind the UAE's Decision to Withdraw

The UAE's decision to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen is likely driven by a combination of factors. One reason is the changing nature of the conflict, which has become increasingly complex and intractable. Despite the UAE's military successes, the Houthis remain a potent force, and the conflict has become a stalemate. The UAE may have concluded that its continued involvement in the conflict is not yielding the desired results and that it is time to reassess its strategy.

Another reason for the UAE's withdrawal may be the growing international pressure over the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, and the country is on the brink of famine. The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, has faced criticism from human rights groups and other countries over its role in the conflict, including allegations of war crimes. By withdrawing its forces, the UAE may be seeking to distance itself from these criticisms and improve its international reputation.

The UAE's decision to withdraw may also be driven by domestic considerations. The country has been facing economic challenges in recent years, including a decline in oil prices and a slowdown in economic growth. The cost of the military campaign in Yemen has been significant, and the UAE may have concluded that it can no longer afford to sustain its involvement in the conflict.

Implications of the UAE's Withdrawal

The UAE's withdrawal from Yemen has significant implications for the region. One potential consequence is a power vacuum, which could be exploited by other actors, including the Houthis and al-Qaeda. The UAE's withdrawal may also embolden Iran, which has been backing the Houthis and seeking to expand its influence in the region.

The UAE's withdrawal may also have implications for Saudi Arabia, which has been the main driver of the military campaign in Yemen. Saudi Arabia may face increased pressure to bear the costs of the conflict, including the financial and human costs. This could lead to a re-evaluation of Saudi Arabia's strategy in Yemen and potentially even a withdrawal of its own forces.

The UAE's withdrawal may also have implications for the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed or injured and millions displaced. The UAE's withdrawal may lead to a reduction in violence, but it is unlikely to address the underlying causes of the conflict or provide a lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis.

In terms of statistics, the Yemen conflict has resulted in:

• Over 14 million people in need of humanitarian assistance
• Over 3 million internally displaced persons
• Over 2 million children suffering from malnutrition
• Over 1 million cases of cholera

The conflict has also had a significant economic impact, with the country's economy shrinking by over 50% since 2015.

Case Study: The Impact of the Conflict on Civilians

The conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on civilians, with thousands killed or injured and millions displaced. One example is the city of Mukalla, which was captured by al-Qaeda in 2015 and later recaptured by the UAE-backed forces. The city has been the scene of intense fighting, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

According to a report by Human Rights Watch, the conflict in Mukalla has resulted in significant human rights abuses, including the use of cluster bombs and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The report found that the UAE-backed forces had used cluster bombs in populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

The conflict has also had a significant impact on the city's economy, with many businesses forced to close and trade disrupted. The city's port, which is a major hub for trade, has been closed several times due to fighting, resulting in significant losses for the local economy.

Conclusion

The UAE's decision to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen marks a significant development in the country's involvement in the conflict. The move is likely driven by a combination of factors, including the changing nature of the conflict, growing international pressure over the humanitarian situation, and domestic considerations. The implications of the UAE's withdrawal are significant, with potential consequences including a power vacuum, emboldening of Iran, and a re-evaluation of Saudi Arabia's strategy in Yemen.

The conflict in Yemen is a complex and multifaceted issue, with no easy solutions. The international community must work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict, one that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict and provides a sustainable and equitable solution for all parties involved. This will require a commitment to diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and economic development, as well as a willingness to hold all parties accountable for their actions.

As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor developments closely and to be prepared to respond to any changes in the conflict. The UAE's withdrawal is a significant step, but it is only the beginning of a long and difficult process of finding peace and stability in Yemen. The international community must remain engaged and committed to finding a solution to the conflict, one that prioritizes the needs and rights of the Yemeni people.