Saudi Bombing of Yemen Port Sparks Shock Rift With UAE, Triggers Withdrawal
Saudi Arabia has released new details about its coalition air strike on Yemen’s southern port of Mukalla, a move that has sharply escalated tensions with the United Arab Emirates. The fallout has already pushed the UAE to announce the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen.
The developments expose deep cracks inside the Saudi-led coalition and reshape the balance of power in southern Yemen. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.
Saudi Arabia details Mukalla strike
Coalition spokesman Major-General Turki al-Maliki presented images and evidence of the military operation carried out early Tuesday morning at the port of Mukalla.
He said coalition forces discovered two ships carrying more than 80 vehicles along with containers filled with weapons and ammunition. According to al-Maliki, the UAE transferred the vehicles, containers, and Emirati personnel to the al-Rayyan military base without informing Saudi Arabia.
He stressed that coalition forces followed the rules of engagement throughout the operation.
UAE announces Yemen withdrawal
Shortly after the strike, the UAE announced it would withdraw its forces from Yemen, declaring an end to what it described as “counterterrorism” operations.
The announcement followed growing accusations from Riyadh that Abu Dhabi supported separatist forces in Yemen. Yemen’s internationally recognised government demanded that the UAE pull out its forces within 24 hours, a call Saudi Arabia openly backed.
Earlier the same day, Saudi-led coalition aircraft struck Mukalla, targeting what Riyadh said was a UAE-linked weapons shipment intended for the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC).
Why the STC sits at the center of the crisis
The STC initially fought alongside Yemen’s recognised government against the Houthi rebels. This month, however, the group launched a major offensive against Saudi-backed government troops.
The STC now seeks an independent southern state. Its advance broke years of political and military deadlock as it seized large areas of southern Yemen, including Hadramout and Mahara provinces.
Hadramout borders Saudi Arabia. Mahara lies close to another sensitive Saudi frontier.
Saudi Arabia said it felt disappointed by what it called UAE pressure on the STC to expand military operations in both provinces. Riyadh described those moves as a direct threat to its national security.
Saudi Arabia draws a red line
In a firm statement, Saudi Arabia warned that any threat to its national security crossed a red line.
The kingdom said it would not hesitate to take all necessary steps to confront and neutralise such threats.
As tensions peaked, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held phone calls with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss regional developments.
UAE responds and seeks de-escalation
The UAE Ministry of Defence said it carried out a comprehensive review of its role in Yemen before deciding to end its mission.
The ministry stated it would withdraw its remaining counterterrorism personnel in a way that ensured their safety, citing recent developments and operational risks.
Abu Dhabi said it felt surprised by the Saudi air strike. It denied that the shipments contained weapons or that they were destined for the STC, insisting they belonged to Emirati forces.
The UAE also said it remained committed to Saudi Arabia’s security and sought a solution based on reliable facts and coordination to prevent further escalation.
Regional reactions and diplomatic moves
Qatar welcomed statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, saying they showed a commitment to regional stability, good neighbourly relations, and the principles of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman all belong to the GCC.
Yemen leadership acts against UAE forces
Yemeni state television broadcast footage of black smoke rising from Mukalla port, showing burned vehicles. The strike reportedly caused no casualties.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, dissolved a defence pact with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to leave within 24 hours.
In a televised address, al-Alimi said authorities had definitively confirmed that the UAE pressured and directed the STC to rebel against state authority through military escalation.
Saudi Arabia backed his decision and demanded that the UAE halt all military and financial support to any Yemeni party.
Al-Alimi also declared a no-fly zone and imposed a sea and ground blockade on all ports and crossings for 72 hours.
STC refuses to back down
Despite the pressure, the STC showed no signs of retreat.
Spokesman Anwar al-Tamimi said the group had no intention of withdrawing from areas it seized. He argued that the STC defended its own land and would respond to any movement against its forces.
FAQs: Yemen Crisis, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
Why did Saudi Arabia bomb the port of Mukalla?
Saudi Arabia said coalition forces targeted Mukalla after discovering ships carrying vehicles and weapons allegedly linked to the UAE and destined for the Southern Transitional Council.
Why is the UAE withdrawing its forces from Yemen?
The UAE said it reassessed its mission after rising tensions and decided to end its counterterrorism role to protect its personnel and avoid further escalation.
Who are the Southern Transitional Council (STC)?
The STC is a separatist group in southern Yemen seeking independence. It recently turned against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and seized key territories.
How does this affect Saudi-UAE relations?
The crisis has exposed serious divisions between longtime allies, raising concerns about the future of coordination within the Saudi-led coalition and the wider Gulf region.
