Saudi Arabia Bombs Yemen’s Mukalla Port Amid Rift with UAE

Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Mukalla, the port city in Yemen’s Hadramout governorate, on December 30, following reports that an arms shipment allegedly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had arrived at the port.

Warning to UAE and Troop Withdrawal
Following the strikes, Saudi Arabia issued a warning to the UAE, instructing Emirati forces to leave the area within 24 hours. In response, the UAE announced that it was pulling out its remaining forces from Yemen, signalling a sharp escalation in tensions between the two key members of the Saudi-led coalition.

Backdrop: Southern Transitional Council
The bombing occurred amid heightened tensions over the advance of UAE-backed separatist forces, the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The council recently seized control of Mukalla and surrounding areas. While the STC and its allies released statements supporting the UAE’s presence, factions aligned with Saudi Arabia demanded an immediate Emirati withdrawal.

Strategic Importance of Mukalla
Mukalla lies about 480 km northeast of Aden, which has served as the seat of power for anti-Houthi forces since the Houthis captured Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014. The port city is strategically significant due to its location on the Gulf of Aden and its role in trade and logistics.

Widening Fault Lines in Yemen Conflict
The incident highlights growing fractures within the Saudi-led coalition, particularly between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, over influence and control in southern Yemen. It underscores the increasingly complex dynamics of the Yemen conflict, where rival regional interests intersect with local power struggles.