World: A recent investigation by German broadcaster DW has highlighted the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a focal point for mercenary activities in Africa and the Middle East, particularly in conflict zones like Yemen and Sudan. The report suggests that the UAE's recruitment efforts are part of broader strategies to extend its influence and control in these regions.

According to the investigation, a job advertisement intrigued a lot more people than it was meant to, possibly because it sounded like the start of an action movie. "Foreign Legion operator" wanted, it read. Must be under 50, highly disciplined, physically fit, with at least five years of military experience, and able to deal with "high-stress conditions." Pay would start at around $2,000 a month but would increase once deployed outside of the United Arab Emirates to Yemen or Somalia.

French publication Intelligence Online revealed that the recruitment drive was conducted by Manar Military Consultancy (MMC), a firm run by a former French special forces officer and backed financially by a prominent Abu Dhabi family. The paper hinted at the UAE's plans to establish a robust foreign legion possibly numbering between 3,000 to 4,000 by mid-next year.

Experts like Andreas Krieg from King's College London and Sean McFate from Georgetown University provided insights into the implications of the UAE's strategy. Krieg noted that the publicization of the recruitment campaign, particularly through French military circles, signals discomfort in France regarding the UAE's tactics to attract foreign military personnel with lucrative offers.

McFate remarked on the UAE's history of employing foreign military talent, a practice that dates back to 2011 and serves dual purposes: to participate in military engagements without risking national troops and to safeguard against potential coups by relying on mercenaries who lack local political ties.

The report also referenced data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which shows a significant rise in the employment of private military and security companies globally since 2003. The UAE's involvement with such entities began in earnest in 2009 when it sought the expertise of Erik Prince, the founder of the infamous private military firm Blackwater, to build a specialized military unit.

Further investigations, including one by the BBC, revealed that the UAE has employed American and Israeli mercenaries for politically motivated operations in Yemen, including assassinations and training local forces to execute similar actions.

It is noted that the UAE serves as a logistical center and a financial hub for financing notorious activities.