A senior Yemeni government official has expressed reservations regarding the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) announced withdrawal of troops from Yemen. Dr. Mohammed Qizan, Deputy Minister of Information, stated that the crisis in Yemen is far from over, despite the UAE’s declaration.
Speaking to DZWatch, Dr. Qizan emphasized that elements of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which he asserts are backed by Abu Dhabi, remain active in the Hadramaut and al-Mahra governorates. He described this continued presence as the core of the ongoing problem.
“We hope that the UAE’s withdrawal is a genuine withdrawal and not merely a statement intended to appease sentiments,” Dr. Qizan stated. He recalled a similar announcement made by the UAE in 2019, which he claimed was followed by actions that violated Yemeni sovereignty, including the bombing of the national army in Shabwa province in 2022.
According to Dr. Qizan, the STC’s movements in Hadramaut and al-Mahra were carried out unilaterally and under the direct guidance of the UAE. He alleged that these movements included the seizure of state-owned camps and official institutions, the removal of the Yemeni flag, and the spread of chaos, all in preparation for the declaration of a so-called ‘South Arabian State’.
Regarding the situation on the ground, Dr. Qizan reported that some army units had withdrawn from their positions, while others had either surrendered or pledged allegiance to the STC under duress. He noted that the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council had called on the armed and security forces to return to their barracks and coordinate with local authorities and the coalition leadership.
Dr. Qizan also addressed the presence of UAE forces in various locations, including al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla, the al-Dabba port, Socotra Island, and Mayyun Island, ostensibly under the pretext of combating terrorism. He asserted that the Yemeni government had not requested the UAE to fight terrorism and that these forces had been used against Yemenis and political leaders.
The Deputy Minister warned that any superficial withdrawal could be followed by indirect support for unrest. He affirmed that the Yemeni government reserves its legal right to resort to international courts to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Dr. Qizan also revealed that civilian casualties and violations had occurred in areas entered by STC forces.
