ABU DHABI (IINA) — The first batch of UAE Armed Forces arrived home after performing their national duty in Yemen and handing responsibilities over to the second batch, reports WAM.
Amidst enthusiastic cheers and zealous flag-waving, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, witnessed celebrations to welcome the first batch of UAE Armed Forces which were replaced with a second team that commenced its work in Yemen on November 2.
Over 10,000 Emiratis and residents at the Swaihan Military Camp greeted the 15-kilometer military convoy returning from Yemen after departing from the Ghuwaifat (UAE-KSA) border at 6 Saturday morning. After nine months of military service in Yemen, the troops returned to a spectacular parade attended by the UAE’s leaders, top officials and proud citizens.
One of the first batch’s most notable roles was the liberation of Marib from the hands of Al Houthi militias and their allies, the forces of deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The significance of liberating Marib, a key Yemeni province, is that it is home to the ancient landmark, the Marib Dam, which was re-built by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The second batch is already stationed in Yemen as part of the Saudi-lead Arab Coalition forces participating in Operation Restoring Hope, aimed at supporting the legitimate government in Yemen.
