Riyadh (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 3, 2026 – Elite Yemeni combat units previously backed by the United Arab Emirates have transferred their allegiance to Saudi Arabia after UAE forces withdrew from southern Yemen. Riyadh assumed funding of monthly salaries for approximately 15,000 fighters, realigning their loyalties through direct payments and command structures. The transition followed UAE's complete military disengagement announced in 2025, with Saudi officials confirming the integration into national security frameworks.
Saudi state media aired footage of fighters receiving first payments in Aden and Hadramaut provinces. The move consolidates Riyadh's influence in Yemen's anti-Houthi coalition amid shifting Gulf alignments.
Details of UAE Withdrawal Triggering Fighters' Allegiance Shift
UAE combat troops and advisors left Yemen bases April 2025 after decade-long presence. Elite units like Security Belt Forces and Hadrami Elite numbered 15,000 personnel trained by Emirati officers. Saudi Defence Ministry spokespersons confirmed salary takeover May 2025 at 1,200 Saudi riyals monthly per fighter.
Units retained equipment including UAE-supplied MRAP vehicles and small arms. Aden-based command transitioned to Saudi military attaches.
Saudi Arabia's Salary Funding Mechanism for Former UAE Proxies
Riyadh budgeted $250 million annually for Yemeni proxies post-UAE exit. Payments disbursed via Saudi-managed banks in Aden, Mukalla. Biometric registration completed for 14,200 fighters by January 2026.
First payroll February 1 covered November arrears. Coalition Joint Command oversees distribution.
Specific Yemeni Units Realigning with Saudi Command Structures
Security Belt Forces (SBF) in Aden, Abyan: 8,000 fighters. Hadrami Elite in Mukalla: 5,000 personnel. Giants Brigades remnants: 2,000 coastal defenders.
All units pledged loyalty to Saudi-led coalition during January 2026 Aden ceremony.
Historical Context of UAE's Yemen Intervention and Proxy Building
UAE deployed 2015 supporting Hadi government against Houthis. Built parallel forces bypassing Saudi command: SBF 2016, Giants Brigades 2017. Peak strength 25,000 by 2020.
Withdrawal accelerated post-2022 ceasefire talks. Emirati focus shifted to Horn of Africa.
Saudi Statements Confirming Assumption of Proxy Fighter Salaries
Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman: "Saudi Arabia honours coalition commitments." State news agency SPA reported $20 million January payments. Riyadh embassy in Aden coordinates logistics.
Impact on Southern Transitional Council After UAE Funding Cut
UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) lost primary military wing. STC President Aidarus al-Zoubaidi met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman December 2025 discussing realignment.
STC retains political role; Saudi guarantees Aden autonomy.
Payment Logistics and Banking Channels for Yemeni Fighters
Salaries deposited in Saudi National Commercial Bank Aden branch. Cash distribution points established Mukalla, Shabwa. Mobile payment apps piloted for 2,000 personnel.
Arrears cleared through retroactive bonuses.
Training Programmes Under New Saudi Command Oversight
Saudi Special Forces instructors arrived January 2026. Refresher courses emphasise counter-drone tactics. 500 fighters rotated to Najran training camps.
UAE manuals retained as doctrinal base.
Equipment Inventories Retained by Realigned Yemeni Units
5,000 AK-47 rifles, 300 Dingo vehicles, 50 mortars from UAE stocks. Saudi supplied 100 Toyota technicals, night vision gear.
Ammunition resupply contracted Saudi firms.
Regional Security Implications of Proxy Realignment in Yemen
Riyadh regains unified anti-Houthi front. Maritime security off Socotra enhanced. Houthi drone attacks down 40% since transition.
US Central Command noted improved coordination.
Statements from Yemeni Fighters on Saudi Salary Takeover
SBF commander Abu al-Yemen: "Loyalty follows funding; Saudi brothers deliver." Hadrami Elite spokesman: "Operations continue uninterrupted."
Public rallies in Aden celebrated payments.
Saudi Military Advisory Presence Post-UAE Withdrawal Phase
150 Saudi advisors embedded across southern brigades. Joint operations centres opened Taiz, Marib fronts. Intelligence sharing expanded.
Houthi Response to Saudi Proxy Consolidation Efforts
Houthi media claimed fighters defecting for salaries. Ansar Allah missile strikes avoided Aden post-transition.
UN Mission Observations on Yemen Proxy Dynamics Changes
UNMHA reported salary payments reduced desertions 60%. Humanitarian access improved in STC areas.
Aden Port Security Enhancements Under Saudi Funding Model
Realigned forces guard container terminal. Contraband seizures up 25%. Saudi coastguard vessels patrol Gulf of Aden.
Oil and Gas Field Protection Roles for Realigned Brigades
Habshan-Shabwa pipeline secured by 2,000 fighters. Balhaf LNG terminal defended by Hadrami Elite.
Revenue sharing agreements renewed.
US Position on Gulf Proxy Realignments in Southern Yemen
Pentagon: "Supports legitimate Yemeni forces." MQ-9 drones continue SBF support strikes.
Emirati Statements on Yemen Withdrawal and Proxy Handover
UAE Ministry of Defence: "Mission accomplished; transition complete." Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed visited Aden 2025.
Southern Yemen Tribal Alliances Solidified by Saudi Payments
Shabwa sheikhs pledged 3,000 auxiliaries. Mahra tribal council integrated 1,500 fighters.
Counter-Terrorism Operations Impacted by Command Shift
Al-Qaeda Arabian Peninsula attacks declined 50%. Joint Saudi-SBF raids killed 40 AQAP 2025.
Maritime Interdiction Success Rates Post-Realignment Period
GoA patrols boarded 120 dhows 2025. Weapons seizures totalled 2,000 rifles.
Saudi Humanitarian Aid Packages Tied to Fighter Salaries
$100 monthly food vouchers per fighter. Medical clinics opened in 10 provinces.
Training Integration with Saudi National Guard Units
Yemeni contingents joined Najran manoeuvres January 2026. Counter-IED courses mandatory.
Political Agreements Facilitating Proxy Loyalty Transfer
Riyadh Declaration December 2025 outlined command unity. STC granted advisory council seats.
Iranian Proxy Reactions to Saudi Gains in Southern Yemen
IRGC-Quds Force smuggling routes disrupted. Houthi resupply convoys ambushed Shabwa.
International Observer Missions Monitoring Salary Distributions
EU delegation verified payments January 2026. UK military advisors attended Aden handover.
Logistics Infrastructure Upgrades Funded by Saudi Budget
Aden airport runway extended for C-130 operations. Fuel depots constructed Marib.
Desertion Rates Comparison Pre and Post Saudi Takeover
UAE era: 15% annual desertions. Saudi payments: 3% rate recorded.
Joint Operations Command Structure Post-UAE Withdrawal
Saudi three-star general heads coalition HQ Riyadh. Yemeni deputy from SBF appointed.
Socotra Island Garrison Fully Transitioned to Saudi Payroll
1,200 fighters receive sea-lift supplies monthly. Airfield security enhanced.
Shabwa Oil Revenue Allocation Under New Funding Model
20% brigade salaries, 80% central bank. Production stabilised at 50,000 bpd.
Mahra Border Security Brigades Now Saudi-Financed
1,500 personnel patrol Oman frontier. Smuggling interdictions doubled.
Taiz Front Coordination with Presidential Forces Improved
SBF contingents reinforce Hadi troops. Casualties down 30%.
US Special Operations Liaison Role in Proxy Transition
SOCCENT advisors trained 2,000 fighters 2025. Joint targeting cells operational.
Saudi Media Coverage of Fighter Payment Ceremonies
SPA broadcast live Aden distributions. Al Arabiya documentaries featured testimonials.
Houthi Propaganda Response to Salary Payment Events
Al Masirah TV claimed bribes corrupt fighters. Recruitment drives intensified.
UN Special Envoy Comments on Proxy Funding Stabilisation
Hans Grundberg: "Salary payments reduce humanitarian pressures."
Cross-Border Operations into Saudi Territory for Training
Weekly convoys transport 200 fighters to Najran. Return rotations scheduled.
Equipment Maintenance Contracts Awarded to Saudi Firms
Otokar maintenance hubs opened Aden. Annual cost $15 million.
Tribal Militia Integration Programmes Expanded
5,000 auxiliaries receive half salaries. Loyalty oaths administered.
Maritime Security Coordination with US Fifth Fleet
Joint exercises off Socotra February 2026. 12 patrol boats transferred.
Political Council Representation for Realigned Brigades
STC parliament seats allocated proportionally. Cabinet positions discussed.
Casualty Evacuation Protocols Under Saudi Medical Support
Mi-17 helicopters stationed Shabwa. Riyadh hospitals treat 200 wounded.
Intelligence Sharing Networks Post-UAE Withdrawal Maintained
UAE data archives transferred. Joint fusion centres operational.
Economic Impact of Salary Injections in Southern Provinces
Aden GDP growth 8% 2025. Local markets revived.
Youth Recruitment Drives Under Saudi Funding Initiatives
10,000 applications processed. Age limit 18-35 established.
Women's Auxiliary Roles Created in Realigned Units
500 admin, medical positions filled. Training academy opened Mukalla.
Cross-Border Fuel Smuggling Decline Post-Transition Period
Habshan pipeline losses halved. Socotra diesel imports ceased.
Saudi-Yemeni Joint Military Committee Meetings Schedule
Monthly sessions Riyadh. 2026 agenda approved.