Post by : Badri Ariffin

Saudi Arabia has provided new insights into the coalition's airstrike targeting Yemen's southern port city Mukalla, a move that significantly escalates tensions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has prompted Abu Dhabi to announce a full withdrawal of its forces from Yemen.

Coalition spokesperson Major-General Turki al-Maliki explained that the strike took place on Tuesday after intelligence revealed that two vessels entering Mukalla port were laden with over 80 vehicles and containers filled with weapons and ammunition. Riyadh maintains that this shipment was connected to the UAE and destined for Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Al-Maliki emphasized that Emirati personnel and equipment were relocated to the al-Rayyan airbase without prior coordination with Saudi Arabia, highlighting it as a violation of coalition protocols. He affirmed that Saudi-led forces followed all rules of engagement, asserting that the operation did not result in civilian casualties.

UAE’s Decision to Withdraw Forces

Following the airstrike, the UAE Ministry of Defence declared an end to its remaining “counterterrorism” operations in Yemen. This decision came amidst mounting pressure from Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which demanded the Emirati military's exit within 24 hours, a request that received clear backing from Saudi Arabia.

“Given the current situation and its potential implications for operational safety, the UAE has opted to conclude its remaining counterterrorism involvement in Yemen,” the ministry noted, asserting that this withdrawal was a voluntary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of its personnel.

Divisions Within the Coalition

The airstrike identified a growing schism within the Saudi-led coalition, initially formed in 2015 to combat Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The STC, while traditionally aligned with the Saudi-backed government, has recently initiated a significant campaign for an independent southern state.

The STC has gained control over substantial territories in southern Yemen, including Hadramout and Mahara provinces, which are of strategic importance to Saudi Arabia due to their proximity to its borders. Riyadh has criticized the UAE for allegedly supporting and pressuring the STC in its military maneuvers, perceiving these advances as a serious threat to its national security.

The Saudi government expressed its “deep disappointment” regarding what it views as Emirati actions that undermine de-escalation efforts, asserting that it would treat any threat to its security as a “red line.”

Defence Pact Cancellation by Yemen

In light of these recent happenings, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, announced the cancellation of a defense agreement with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to leave within 24 hours. Yemeni state media reported the establishment of a temporary no-fly zone along with a 72-hour blockade affecting key ports.

Despite this pressure, the STC has declined requests to withdraw from its seized regions, asserting its right to defend its territory against any potential incursions.

International Reactions

Qatar has welcomed the statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, urging caution and reasserting the importance of unity within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in dialogues with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding the evolving situation.

This developing crisis underscores the precariousness of alliances in Yemen’s persistent conflict and raises critical questions about future coordination among Gulf states in this war-torn nation.

#Global News