Redeployment of UAE troops in Yemen both strategic, tactical: Official
Strategy moves from military to peace-first
Dubai: The UAE remains committed to the strategic goals of the Arab coalition in Yemen with emphasis on supporting a peaceful solution, a UAE official source said.
The Saudi-led coalition has done a tremendous job in Yemen, the official noted, in both the military efforts and on the humanitarian side.
“The goals remain very clear,” the official said. They include restoring the legitimate government, overthrown by the Iran-backed Al Houthi militia in 2014, restoring the authority of the Yemeni state and its institutions and bringing about a political solution.
Successful campaign
The official noted the coalition’s campaign in Yemen has been a success.
“Without it, Al Houthi militiamen would today be in control of all of Yemen. The militia’s expansion has been halted, and most of Yemen’s territory has been liberated from Al Houthi control. Normal life has been restored to most Yemeni areas, and activities of terror organisations such as Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Daesh have been severely curtailed,” he explained.
The UAE, in its support to the Stockholm Agreement, has redeployed part of its forces in the port city of Hodeida. According to the UAE source, the approach is both strategic and tactical.
The UAE has been moving forces inside the country depending on the needs, and based on the decisions made by the Arab coalition.
The official was clear the UAE is not abandoning its strategic aims in the war against the Iran-backed militia.
Challenge to Iran's expansionism
“The campaign has been the first full-blown challenge to Iran’s relentless expansionism in the region,” he stressed.
He added that discussions between UAE and Saudi Arabia regarding the redeployment began a year ago, well before the current Iran-linked crisis in the Gulf, saying the UAE was committed to a political process in Yemen.
The humanitarian efforts, meanwhile, continue to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Since April 2015, the UAE has provided $5.59 billion, which was used to rebuild various sectors, especially infrastructure, health, and social services.