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Admitting Defeat, UAE: War Is Over for Emirati Troops in Yemen

Admitting Defeat, UAE: War Is Over for Emirati Troops in Yemen
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Facing continuous defeats in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates said Wednesday that the "war is over" for its troops, though it may continue to keep them there for counterterrorism operations.

Admitting Defeat, UAE: War Is Over for Emirati Troops in Yemen

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan carried the announcement on his official Twitter account late Wednesday. He was quoting the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, who had given a speech saying the "war is over for our troops."

An Arabic version of his comments was worded slightly differently than the English one, saying the war is "practically" over.

The statement left open the likelihood that Emirati troops would remain in Yemen, where they operate in the southern province of Hadramawt and the port city of Aden. The Saudi coalition's spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Gargash was also quoted as saying the UAE was "monitoring political arrangements" and "empowering Yemenis in liberated areas."

The UAE has been among the most active members of a Saudi-led coalition that launched an aggression more than a year ago.

The UAE, which has one of the best-equipped militaries in the region, suffered numerous losses over the past year of fighting in Yemen, including four pilots killed in two separate helicopter crashes this week. Government media reports say more than 80 Emirati soldiers have been killed since attacks there began on March 26, 2015.

In September, 45 Emirati troops were killed by an Ansarullah missile, marking the deadliest day for its military in its 44-year history. The government has never made clear the numbers of Emirati troops serving in Yemen.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team

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