The United Arab Emirates announced the immediate withdrawal of all its military forces from Yemen on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia delivered a stark ultimatum demanding Abu Dhabi end its presence in the war-torn nation within 24 hours.
The dramatic escalation began when Saudi warplanes deliberately targeted UAE military equipment at the strategic port city of Mukalla, marking an unprecedented direct confrontation between the two Gulf allies who have cooperated closely in regional security matters for years.
Social media users quickly documented the rapid sequence of events throughout Tuesday.
"5 AM: Military supplies in Yemen reportedly linked to the UAE were struck by Saudi Arabia. 9 AM: Saudi Arabia urged the UAE to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours. 5 PM: The UAE announced its full withdrawal and an end to its military presence,"reported @thenewspostpk on Twitter, highlighting the compressed timeline of the crisis.
The Saudi strikes reportedly targeted weapons allegedly destined for southern Yemeni separatist forces, according to reports circulating on social media.
"A Saudi-led airstrike on Mukalla port targeted alleged UAE weapons for southern separatists, prompting UAE's withdrawal of remaining forces from Yemen and highlighting deep distrust between the Gulf allies,"noted @Dibyathedaddy.
This shocking development reveals dangerous cracks in what has long been considered America's most reliable alliance structure in the Middle East. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been key partners in containing Iranian influence across the region, making this public rupture particularly concerning for U.S. strategic interests.
The crisis exposes how competing visions for Yemen's future have driven a wedge between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, despite their shared opposition to Iran-backed Houthi rebels. While Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain Yemen's territorial integrity, the UAE has reportedly supported southern separatist movements seeking independence.
For the Trump administration, this Gulf rift presents both challenges and opportunities in recalibrating America's Middle East strategy and ensuring our allies remain focused on the primary threat posed by Iran's regional aggression.