In a significant escalation of tensions between Gulf allies, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes targeting an alleged United Arab Emirates weapons shipment destined for southern Yemeni separatists. The Saudi military confirmed it destroyed weapons and combat vehicles unloaded from two vessels originating from Fujairah, a major Emirati port city.
The operation occurred early Tuesday near the port of Mukalla, where authorities received an evacuation warning just minutes before the strike. Saudi officials stated the vessels had disabled tracking systems and were supplying the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist group that has recently made substantial territorial gains in southern Yemen. The Saudi statement emphasized these weapons “constituted an imminent threat” to regional security.
Concurrently, Riyadh issued its strongest diplomatic rebuke yet against Abu Dhabi, directly accusing the UAE of “pressuring” STC forces to conduct military operations along Saudi Arabia’s southern border regions. The Saudi foreign ministry characterized these actions as “highly dangerous” and contrary to the founding principles of their coalition, which was established to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The statement marked an unprecedented public condemnation between the nominal allies, with Saudi Arabia declaring any threat to its national security “a red line” that would be met with decisive action. This development follows the STC’s recent seizure of extensive territory and the hoisting of South Yemen’s historic flag in captured areas.
In response, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE and demanded the withdrawal of Emirati forces from Yemen within 24 hours. The strike represents the second alleged Saudi attack on STC positions in recent days, though previous incidents went unconfirmed by Riyadh.