Move FM Global News

RIHAYD, Saudi Arabia – A major split or even break-up of the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting al-Houthi rebels since 2015 was all but confirmed on Sunday.

The Saudi Press Agency announced that Saudi Arabia would take command of all Coalition forces which will be redeployed to Aden.

“The Coalition Command announces that under its continues efforts to coordinate military and security operation plans and enhance humanitarian and relief action in Yemen, in addition to strengthening the efforts to secure waterways adjacent to Yemeni coastlines, Coalition forces have been repositioned in (Aden) to become under the Kingdom’s command, and redeployed to conform with requirements of current operations,” a statement from the agency said.

There was no comment from the United Arab Emirates on the redeployment. The UAE is believed to have downed tools some months ago, although it says publicly it continues to support the Coalition’s mission.

Coalition forces in Aden had been under the command of the UAE since the Coalition began it’s offensive in 2015.

‘In August, scores were killed in clashes between UAE-backed forces and government troops in Aden, which caused confusion as the UAE had been in the country to support the Yemeni government.

The Saudi statement however praised the UAE for its efforts in the four-year long engagement.

“Coalition forces Command hereby commends efforts exerted by all forces, foremost among which are Emirati forces, that contributed to the success of the plans to execute operational tasks with utmost skill and effectiveness,” the Saudi Press Agency statement published on Sunday said.