Human Rights Watch on June 22 accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of backing "Yemeni forces that have arbitrarily detained, forcibly disappeared, tortured, and abused dozens of people during security operations." According to HRW, the UAE claims that the it provides financial and military aid to the Yemeni troops under the guise of fighting ISIS. However, HRW has traced the disappearance or arbitrary detention of 38 individuals to Yemeni forces backed by the UAE. The UAE also runs two secret prisons in Yemen, according to HRW. In a report also released on Thursday, the Associated Press found at least 18 secret prisons run by either the UAE or by troops receiving the Emirates' support.
From Jurist, June 23. Used with permission.
Note: The UAE is acting as part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which is primarily fighting the Shi'ite Houthi rebels. However, the UAE seems to have its own growing military and intelligence footprint in the region. The AP report says that the UAE is operating a base across the Red Sea in Assab, Eritrea, where some Yemeni detainees have been taken.
