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UAE hits the ground running in Yemen

Emirati troops have gone where others have feared to tread. There will be no turning back till the mission is accomplished.

By leading field operations in Yemen and freeing a Briton held hostage by Al Qaeda, UAE troops are changing the situation on the ground, driving Al Houthi rebels out of their bastions. Robert Semple, an oil rig worker, who was abducted on gun point from a remote province in the east of the country, is now on his way home after receiving medical aid in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has dared to put troops on the ground and the strategy is paying off. It's been a risky bet, especially at a time when the war-torn country is in a mess, and no such rescue operations could be considered. Similar attempts by the United States Special Forces last year led to the killing of captive American journalist Luke Somers and South African teacher Pierre Korkie. Much planning hds gone into the operation and the brave act deserves applause.
Emirati forces are not only at the vanguard in providing aid and assistance to the Yemenis, they are also trend-setters in fighting terrorism. British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted his jubilation, and was all praise for the soldiers. UAE troops now on the ground in the strife-torn country are a stabilising factor, giving hope to the people of Yemen.
Emirati troops have pushed out the Houthis from Aden and have retaken the oil-rich province of Shabwa after routing the Iranian-backed militia.
A combination of air strikes and ground operations have broken the Houthis resistance. Emirati troops have gone where others have feared to tread. There will be no turning back till the mission is accomplished.