Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Saudi Strikes Yemen Port Over UAE Arms
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen launched an air strike at Mukalla port.
They said two ships came to the port without permission and brought weapons and vehicles to support a group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
The STC is a separatist group in the south of Yemen.
The coalition said the strike was to stop military support from other countries to any Yemeni group without coordination with the Yemeni government.
There were no injuries or damage reported.
The STC used to be part of the Saudi-led alliance but now wants self-rule in the south.
The UAE supports the STC, while Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government.
The UAE has announced the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen, citing a reassessment of recent developments.
Saudi Arabia has demanded the UAE withdraw its forces within 24 hours, citing a threat to regional stability.
The dispute has implications for regional security and OPEC unity.
Saudi-led coalition launched an air strike at Mukalla port in Yemen.
Two ships allegedly entered the port without authorization, carrying weapons and vehicles for the STC.
The strike was requested by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council to protect civilians in Hadramout and al-Mahra.
No casualties or collateral damage were reported from the strike.
The STC, backed by the UAE, seeks self-rule in southern Yemen, opposing the Saudi-supported Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia warned the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, citing a threat to its national security and regional stability.
- Who
- Saudi-led coalition and UAE
- What
- Launched an air strike at Mukalla port and UAE withdrawal of forces from Yemen
- When
- December 30, 2023
- Where
- Mukalla port, Yemen
- Why
- To target foreign military support and protect civilians in Hadramout and al-Mahra, and due to diverging interests in Yemen
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Military Support for STC
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia claims the UAE is supplying weapons to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) without authorization, threatening Yemen's stability and national security.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE denies the weapons claims, stating the shipments were intended for its own forces and not for the STC.
STC's Role in Yemen
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government and views the STC's actions as a threat to Yemen's territorial integrity and national security.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE supports the STC, seeing it as a key partner in the fight against the Houthis and a legitimate actor in southern Yemen.
Withdrawal of Forces
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has demanded the UAE withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, citing a threat to regional stability.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has announced the voluntary withdrawal of its remaining counterterrorism units from Yemen, citing a reassessment of recent developments.
- Location
- Mukalla port, Yemen
- Date
- December 30, 2023
- Initiating Party
- Saudi-led coalition
- Target
- Foreign military support
- Casualties
- None reported
- Collateral Damage
- None reported
- Requesting Party
- Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council
- Separatist Group
- Southern Transitional Council (STC)
- UAE's Response
- Withdrawal of remaining forces
- Ships' Origin
- UAE port of Fujairah
- Ships' Cargo
- Weapons and combat vehicles
- STC's Goal
- Self-rule in southern Yemen
- Saudi Ultimatum
- UAE forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours
- International Implications
- Potential impact on OPEC unity and regional security
Sources
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