MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Government of the United Arab Emirates has begun evacuating military equipment and personnel from inside Somalia, following a strict decision issued by the Federal Government last week banning military and cargo aircraft arriving from the UAE.
This move comes after intelligence reports indicated that a UAE military aircraft unlawfully entered Somali airspace, allegedly carrying the head of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus al-Zubaydi, who reportedly fled while he was expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for planned talks.
Reports say that Somalia has officially communicated its decision to the United Arab Emirates, which has now started withdrawing its equipment and staff from the country.
Sources have also confirmed that up to four aircraft carrying equipment and passengers are departing from Mogadishu, while six others have been authorized to evacuate military equipment from Bosaso.
Relations between Mogadishu and Dubai are currently at one of their lowest points, as Somalia has openly aligned itself with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting its leadership role in Yemen’s internal affairs.