Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes on what it described as a weapons shipment linked to the United Arab Emirates and destined for separatist forces in southern Yemen, deepening tensions between the two Gulf allies.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry accused the UAE of backing separatist advances in Yemen, warning that such actions posed a serious threat to the kingdom’s national security. Riyadh described Abu Dhabi’s alleged involvement as “highly dangerous” and declared that any threat to its security would be treated as a red line.
The Saudi-led military coalition said it targeted weapons and combat vehicles that had reportedly been offloaded at the port of Al-Mukalla. According to the coalition, the strike was a limited operation conducted in line with international humanitarian law and aimed at preventing further escalation.
The United Arab Emirates denied the accusations, insisting that the shipment contained no weapons and that the vehicles unloaded at the port were not intended for any Yemeni faction. Abu Dhabi also rejected claims that it was directing or pressuring Yemeni groups to carry out military operations near Saudi Arabia’s borders.
In recent weeks, UAE-backed separatist forces seeking to re-establish the formerly independent state of South Yemen have made significant territorial gains, a development analysts say has embarrassed Saudi Arabia, the main supporter of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Following the airstrikes, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council declared a state of emergency and cancelled a security agreement with the UAE after the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a UAE-backed group, seized large areas of territory. The STC, which is also represented within the government, rejected the decision, warning it could push the country into further conflict.
AFP footage from the port showed several military vehicles damaged or burnt following the strikes, while residents reported fear and property damage caused by the bombardment.
Saudi Arabia has also backed a demand for Emirati forces to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours and urged Abu Dhabi to halt military and financial support for armed groups. Despite the escalation, a source close to the Saudi-led coalition said diplomatic efforts were still ongoing to prevent further deterioration.
The incident marks a significant strain in relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, long-time partners in the war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and raises concerns about a wider regional fallout from the Yemen conflict.
