Saudi Arabia has declared that its national security is a “red line” it will defend at all costs, following air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition on vehicles and cargo at Yemen’s Mukalla port. The coalition said the shipment contained weapons and military equipment supplied by a foreign power to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group operating in southern Yemen. Riyadh described the strikes as a “limited military operation” and said they were carried out in line with international humanitarian law, with no civilian casualties.
The operation came shortly after the coalition warned the STC against expanding military actions in Hadramout province. Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of supporting the STC. PLC head Rashad al-Alimi demanded that all UAE forces leave Yemen within 24 hours, cancelled defence agreements with Abu Dhabi, imposed a temporary blockade, and declared a state of emergency. Saudi Arabia said it hoped the UAE would respond positively, while reiterating its commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty and stability.
The UAE firmly denied the allegations, rejecting claims that it armed or directed Yemeni factions against Saudi interests. Abu Dhabi urged restraint, warning against escalation, and stressed the need for coordination and verified facts. Later, the UAE announced it had voluntarily ended its remaining counterterrorism mission in Yemen.
Meanwhile, the STC condemned al-Alimi’s actions as a declaration of war against the south, vowing to defend its territory and achievements. Analysts warn that growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE risk turning their uneasy competition in Yemen into open rivalry, further complicating an already fractured conflict and dimming prospects for a political settlement.
