In a significant development in the ongoing Yemeni conflict, Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid rising tensions following a military strike in Mukalla. This airstrike targeted the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces and was characterized as a necessary action against potential threats to stability.
Context of the Mukalla Strike
The Saudi-led coalition, which includes the UAE, executed a “limited” air strike on military vehicles and weaponry identified as a threat to peace. Major General Turki al-Maliki stated that these items were brought in on two ships from the UAE. The strike occurred shortly after a warning was issued to evacuate the port at 04:00 local time, with impact reported about 15 minutes later.
Details of the Strike
- The strike resulted in damage to military vehicles and a nearby building.
- No casualties were reported from the incident.
Photographic evidence showed burned military vehicles and damage to infrastructure within the port’s secured area.
UAE Response to the Airstrike
The UAE expressed surprise over the coalition’s decision to carry out the strike without prior consultation with its member states. The UAE foreign ministry asserted that the shipment contained no weapons and that the vehicles unloading were not meant for any Yemeni factions. Instead, they were intended for the UAE forces stationed in Yemen.
Call for Withdrawal and Rising Tensions
Following these events, the Saudi-led coalition urged STC forces to withdraw from the Hadramawt and al-Mahra provinces peacefully. This plea came after Saudi air operations against separatist positions were reported in Hadramawt.
STC’s Position in the Conflict
The STC has been engaged in activations in these provinces amid escalated tensions this month. They argue these military actions are essential for restoring stability and combating the Houthis and jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS).
The Broader Context of the Yemeni Civil War
The Yemeni civil war, ongoing since 2014, has resulted in profound humanitarian crises and substantial human loss. Over 150,000 fatalities have been reported due to the conflict, exacerbated by the Saudi-led coalition’s intervention in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. Tensions among the STC, government forces, and various factions continue to evolve, with separatists seeking autonomy for southern Yemen, a region with a distinct historical identity prior to unification with northern Yemen in 1990.
