The United Arab Emirates (UAE) deploys units of the “Academi” private military company (formerly known as “Blackwater”) in the city of Aden in Yemen.
Erik Prince has created this private army under the patronage of Al Nahyan family in UAE. It includes about 2 squadrons. Majority of mercenaries is American and European nationals.
The main aim of this units is to protect UAE from the expation of “Arab Spring” because they aren’t linked to the local elites.
Nonetheless, UAE has decided that it’s time to use this army as a “foreign legion” in Yemen. It’s expected that mercenaries will take part in the upcoming strom of Sana’a. Separately, the defend UAE and Saudi Arabia top officers in Aden.