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Saudi Strike on UAE-Supplied Cargo Sparks Tensions in Yemen
Saudi-led coalition strikes Mukalla port targeting UAE-supplied vehicles and weapons for southern separatists; UAE denies involvement, tensions rise in Yemen.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-30
Saudi Strike on UAE-Supplied Cargo Sparks Tensions in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has defended its recent military strike at Mukalla port in Yemen, calling its national security a “red line,” after targeting vehicles and cargo it said were supplied by a foreign military to southern separatists. The strike came amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over alleged support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The coalition said its “limited military operation” targeted shipments that entered Mukalla port without authorisation, had disabled tracking systems, and contained weapons and combat vehicles meant to support the STC. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki clarified that the operation targeted the dock where the cargo had been unloaded, causing no casualties or collateral damage.

Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the UAE would take steps to preserve bilateral relations between the Gulf nations. However, the UAE rejected the allegations, stating the shipment contained no weapons and had been coordinated with Riyadh. UAE officials stressed that the country was not involved in escalating tensions and announced the voluntary withdrawal of its counterterrorism units from Yemen.

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), led by Rashad al-Alimi, demanded that all UAE forces leave Yemen within 24 hours, cancelled the joint defence agreement with the UAE, and imposed a 72-hour blockade along with a 90-day state of emergency.

Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud urged STC troops to peacefully hand over control of two regional governorates to the government, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for restraint and diplomacy to achieve a lasting solution.

Analysts note that relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have grown more complex since the UAE began pursuing independent foreign policy decisions in Yemen. The STC, initially allied with the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, has increasingly sought self-rule in southern Yemen, controlling territories outside Houthi areas under a Saudi-backed power-sharing arrangement.

The STC leadership in Hadramout indicated its forces have no intention of withdrawing and condemned the Saudi bombing, portraying the internationally recognised Yemeni government as an adversary allegedly inciting Saudi Arabia against them.

The recent escalation underscores the fragility of alliances in Yemen, where competing interests among Gulf nations and local factions complicate efforts to restore stability.
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UAE

SaudiArabia

YemenCrisis

STC
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