Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Mukalla port. The strikes targeted a shipment of weapons and vehicles from the United Arab Emirates. Officials aimed to stop support for southern separatists.
The attack happened on December 30, 2025. Two ships arrived without permission. They unloaded cargo that Saudi forces viewed as a threat.
The Incident Unfolds
Coalition jets hit the dock area early in the morning. Workers received a warning to evacuate. Meanwhile the strikes destroyed vehicles and weapons offloaded from the vessels. No one reported casualties. The operation followed rules of international law.
Footage showed armored vehicles moving through the city before the bombing. Meanwhile separatist forces controlled the port. In addition, they had seized nearby areas days earlier. This move displaced Saudi backed troops.
Reasons for the Strike
Saudi leaders saw the shipment as an escalation. They accused the UAE of arming the Southern Transitional Council. However this group seeks independence in southern Yemen.
Tensions grew from recent separatist advances. The council ignored calls to withdraw. Saudi Arabia defended its security interests. Additionally the ships turned off tracking devices. This raised suspicions. The coalition acted to prevent further conflict.
Reactions from Key Parties
The UAE denied sending weapons. Officials claimed the vehicles supported their own troops. They announced a withdrawal from Yemen soon after. Separatists called the strike unjust. They vowed to strengthen their demands. Leaders refused to give up gained territory.
Yemen’s government declared an emergency. They ordered UAE forces out within hours. A blockade closed ports and borders for three days. The United Nations urged calm. Officials warned of risks to civilians. The US called for restraint and talks.
Background of the Yemen War
The conflict started in 2014. Houthi rebels took the capital. Saudi Arabia and the UAE formed a coalition to fight back. However allies split over goals. The UAE backs separatists. Saudi Arabia supports the central government. Moreover the war killed thousands. It created a humanitarian crisis. Recent events strain Saudi-UAE ties.
Future Implications
This strike signals deeper rifts. It may halt peace efforts. Analysts predict more clashes.As a result, Yemen faces instability. Parties must negotiate. The region watches closely for next steps.
