A statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Defence, in which it announced the ending of what it described as the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen of its own free will, triggered a wide wave of ridicule and criticism across social media platforms. This reaction was particularly sharp as the announcement coincided with political and military escalation in Yemen and official demands for Emirati forces to withdraw within a specified time frame.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said that Abu Dhabi had participated in the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, to back international efforts to combat terrorist organisations, and to achieve Yemen’s security and stability, adding that Emirati citizens had made significant sacrifices in pursuit of these objectives.
The statement added that the Emirati armed forces had ended their military presence in the Republic of Yemen in 2019 after completing the tasks defined within agreed official frameworks, and that any remaining presence had been limited to specialised teams within counterterrorism efforts, coordinated with relevant international partners.
It continued by saying that in light of recent developments and their potential repercussions on the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defence announces the ending of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen of its own free will, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with relevant partners.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stressed that this step comes as part of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase and in line with the UAE’s commitments and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that the UAE must immediately comply with the request of the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al Alimi, to withdraw all its forces from Yemen within 24 hours and to halt any military or financial support to any party inside Yemen.
The statement added that the Kingdom hopes wisdom will prevail, with brotherly principles, good neighbourliness, and the close relations that bind the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and in the interest of brotherly Yemen. It expressed hope that the sisterly United Arab Emirates would take the desired steps to preserve bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, which the Kingdom is keen to strengthen, and to work jointly toward everything that enhances prosperity, development, and stability across the region.
A Wide Wave of Mockery
On social media, the UAE Ministry of Defence statement was met with a flood of sarcastic comments, particularly focusing on the phrase of its own free will, which many viewed as an attempt to market the withdrawal as a voluntary decision despite escalating political and military pressure.
Political researcher Ibrahim Hammami wrote in a widely shared comment that the phrase made him laugh, remarking that it was as if no one had read or heard the Saudi foreign ministry statement and its 24-hour deadline.
He added sarcastically a breaking news style remark that the UAE Ministry of Defence announces the ending of the remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen of its own free will, in coordination with partners.
Saudi opposition figure Nasser bin Awad al Qarni commented by saying he hoped the same would soon happen in Sudan and Libya of its own free will.
Sudanese thinker Taj al Sir Othman asked when the UAE would leave the rest of Sudan of its own free will, in reference to the Emirati role in the Sudanese crisis and its support for the Rapid Support Forces.
Former Dubai police chief Dhahi Khalfan addressed Yemenis in a post, saying that they would find a partner who orders them and demands execution, instructing them to do as they are told, adding that they have no command over a homeland except as dictated to them, and telling them to do what they are ordered. He concluded by wishing them luck and warning against weapons and internal clashes.
This broad wave of mockery reflects widespread public scepticism toward the Emirati narrative, particularly given the timing of the announcement alongside official demands for Emirati forces to withdraw and escalating confrontations with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. This has led observers to conclude that talk of leaving of its own free will came as an attempt to contain rapidly unfolding political and military repercussions, rather than representing an independent sovereign decision.
