Yemen Strike Sparks Tension Between Saudi Arabia and UAE
The Saudi-led coalition carried out a strike at Yemen’s Mukalla port, accusing foreign-backed vessels of delivering weapons to southern separatists.
ISLAMABAD:- Saudi Arabia has stated that it considers its national security a “red line,” following a Saudi-led coalition strike on vehicles and cargo at Yemen’s Mukalla port that the coalition said were linked to foreign military support for southern separatist forces, international media reported.
According to the coalition, the operation was a limited military action targeting shipments it alleged were delivered to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group active in southern Yemen. The strike took place days after the coalition warned the STC against undertaking military activities in Hadramout province.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it hoped the United Arab Emirates would take steps to help maintain bilateral relations between Gulf countries.
The UAE later denied the allegations, expressing disappointment with the Saudi statement and surprise at the coalition’s strike. In a separate statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that developments in Yemen should be addressed responsibly to avoid further escalation.
The ministry added that any actions should be based on verified information and coordination among relevant parties, with the aim of preserving security and stability, protecting shared interests, and supporting a political resolution to the Yemen conflict.
Earlier, coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said that two vessels entered Mukalla port on Saturday and Sunday without coalition authorization, disabled their tracking systems, and unloaded weapons and military vehicles that the coalition said were intended to support the STC.
