However, Gargash’s comments first came to light via a tweet Wednesday from Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a powerful figure in the UAE’s federation of seven sheikhdoms and the deputy supreme commander of the country’s military.
Advertisement
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash on Friday denied a statement made two days ago allegedly saying the war in Yemen was “over” for Emirates troops.
An Arabic version of his comments was worded slightly differently than the English one, claiming the war is “practically” over. “Can we accept ideologically driven sectarian militias operating on the border of Saudi Arabia?”
“Now the Yemeni conflict has to be resolved through political means”.
Operation Decisive Storm began in March 2015.
“Goals of the Decisive Storm operation were crystal clear and well-defined which contributed to its success: to bring the Yemen crisis back on the political track, to restore the legitimate government of Yemen, and to counter the Iranian interference in the region”.
Gargash is quoted as saying the UAE was “monitoring political arrangements” and “empowering Yemenis in liberated areas”.
Arab Gulf states accuse Tehran of backing the Houthi rebels, who descended from their northern mountain stronghold of Saada and seized control of the capital Sanaa in September 2014.
Emirates troops did however take part in fighting in Aden, Abyan, al-Dhale, Marib, and Lahj provinces.
Continued fighting on several fronts killed at least 48 people over the past day, according to Yemeni security officials.
All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to journalists.
Earlier this week, the pilot and co-pilot of a UAE military helicopter were killed when their aircraft crashed in Yemen.
“Effective delivery of political and military objectives of the operation was out of question”.
Dr Anwar Gargash tweeted that the Armed Forces had performed their combat role in the Saudi-led Arab coalition with a high sense of courage and professionalism, reported Wam, the state news agency.
More than 80 UAE troops have been killed in Yemen since launching operations there on March 26, 2015, Al Jazeera reports.
Advertisement
The coalition has been criticised by rights groups and aid organisations for the deaths of hundreds of Yemeni civilians in air strikes.
