Saudi Arabia Hits Yemen Port, Accuses UAE of ‘Dangerous’ Military Actions

Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates of taking “extremely dangerous” actions in Yemen, following limited airstrikes on Mukalla port earlier this week. The strikes came amid allegations that two UAE ships delivered weapons and combat vehicles to separatist forces in southern Yemen.

In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry described the UAE’s actions as a direct threat to the kingdom’s national security, emphasizing that any such threats would be met with decisive measures. “The Kingdom stresses that any threat to its national security is a red line, and it will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to confront and neutralize such threats,” the statement said.

The announcement followed remarks by Yemen’s Presidential Council head, Rashad Al Olimi, who accused the UAE of directing forces to rebel against the Saudi-backed government and escalating the conflict militarily.

Tensions have risen after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched a recent offensive, taking control of key provinces in southern Yemen. The Saudi-backed government views the military actions as undermining efforts to combat the Iran-aligned Houthi forces in the north. The STC has since claimed eight governorates, including the oil-rich Hadramout province, and continues to push for southern Yemen’s independence.

In response, Saudi-backed groups in Yemen have demanded that all Emirati forces withdraw within 24 hours and have ended a defense pact with the UAE. The exact presence of UAE forces on Yemeni soil remains unclear.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, historically close allies and major oil producers, have significant influence in regional politics and global markets. Analysts warn that the latest escalation may strain the long-standing partnership between the two Gulf states.