Saudi Strike on Yemen Port Triggers Rift, UAE Announces Exit

Saudi Arabia has released fresh details about its coalition airstrike on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, an operation that has sharply escalated tensions with its Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The incident has now led Abu Dhabi to announce the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen.

Saudi Coalition Explains the Operation

Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki presented images from the early Tuesday morning strike, stating that intelligence confirmed the presence of two ships carrying more than 80 vehicles and containers loaded with weapons and ammunition at the port.

According to Saudi officials, the cargo was transferred, along with Emirati personnel, to the al-Rayyan military base without prior coordination with Riyadh. Al-Maliki stressed that the operation was conducted strictly in line with the rules of engagement and did not result in civilian casualties.

UAE Announces Withdrawal From Yemen

Shortly after the strike, the UAE announced it would end what it described as its counterterrorism mission in Yemen and withdraw its remaining personnel. The decision followed mounting pressure from Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which demanded that Emirati forces leave the country within 24 hours—a move openly supported by Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said it had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the situation and decided to terminate its mission to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its forces.

Dispute Over Support for Southern Separatists

The strike has exposed growing divisions within the Saudi-led coalition, formed in 2015 to fight Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of backing the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group seeking an independent state in southern Yemen.

The STC, once aligned with the Saudi-backed government, has recently launched military operations and seized control of large areas in the Hadramout and Mahara provinces, regions of high strategic importance that border Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has described these developments as a direct threat to its national security.

Yemen Government Cancels UAE Defence Deal

Following the Mukalla strike, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi cancelled a defence agreement with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to withdraw. He accused the UAE of directing and supporting the STC’s military escalation against the state.

Saudi Arabia backed the move and called on the UAE to halt any military or financial support to local factions in Yemen.

UAE Denies Saudi Allegations

The UAE rejected claims that the shipment contained weapons for the STC, insisting the cargo was intended solely for Emirati forces. Abu Dhabi said it remained committed to regional security and was seeking a solution that would prevent further escalation.

Regional and International Reactions

Qatar welcomed statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, saying they reflected a commitment to regional stability and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) principles. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with senior officials from the United States and Pakistan to discuss the unfolding situation.

Experts Warn of Wider Impact

Analysts warn that divisions within the anti-Houthi alliance could weaken efforts to stabilise Yemen. Saudi scholar Hesham Alghannam noted that eastern Yemen is a core national security concern for Riyadh due to its strategic location, energy assets, and ports.

He cautioned that any fragmented or partial withdrawal could ultimately benefit the Houthis, as rival factions become increasingly divided.