Saudi Coalition Airstrike Targets UAE-Backed Arms in Yemen Port

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen conducted a “limited” airstrike on Tuesday targeting weapons and armored vehicles at the southern port of Mukalla, claiming the shipment originated from the United Arab Emirates and was intended for UAE-backed separatist forces.

The operation marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group seeking greater autonomy or independence for southern Yemen. It follows a series of confrontations this month, including alleged warning strikes last week and the STC’s rapid seizure of oil-rich eastern provinces.

Coalition spokesperson Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said two vessels arrived from the UAE port of Fujairah over the weekend without authorization, disabled their tracking systems, and unloaded “large quantities of weapons and combat vehicles” to support STC forces in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces.

“Given the danger and escalation posed by these weapons… the coalition air forces carried out a limited military operation this morning targeting [the unloaded cargo],” al-Maliki stated via the Saudi Press Agency. Officials emphasized no casualties or collateral damage occurred.

The strike came hours after Yemen’s internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), headed by Rashad al-Alimi, declared a 90-day nationwide state of emergency. In a televised address, al-Alimi accused the UAE of directing the STC’s “military rebellion,” canceled a joint defense agreement with Abu Dhabi, and ordered all Emirati forces to withdraw from Yemeni territory within 24-72 hours. A temporary blockade on borders, airports, and seaports was also imposed.

Saudi Arabia described its national security as a “red line,” urging the UAE to comply with the demands while expressing hope for preserved bilateral relations.

The UAE has not publicly responded to the accusations or the strike.