Heightened Tensions in Yemen: Saudi Airstrike Ignites UAE Withdrawal

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Saudi Arabia has provided new insights into the coalition airstrike on the southern Yemeni port city of Mukalla, a move that has sharply escalated tensions with its Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This has compelled Abu Dhabi to declare a withdrawal of its forces from Yemen.

Coalition representative Major-General Turki al-Maliki reported that the strike occurred early Tuesday after intelligence suggested that two vessels entering Mukalla port were transporting over 80 vehicles alongside containers filled with weapons and ammunition. Riyadh claims that this shipment was connected to the UAE and was intended for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen.

Al-Maliki indicated that Emirati assets and personnel were moved to the al-Rayyan airbase without prior coordination with Saudi forces, describing this as a violation of coalition protocols. He affirmed that the Saudi-led forces strictly adhered to rules of engagement, highlighting that no civilian casualties resulted from the operation.

UAE Declares Military Exit from Yemen

Following the strike, the UAE Ministry of Defence declared its intention to conclude its remaining "counterterrorism" efforts in Yemen. This decision emerged amid increasing pressure from Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which urged Emirati forces to exit the country within 24 hours—support that Saudi Arabia openly voiced.

“In light of the recent developments and their potential impact on operation safety and effectiveness, the UAE has resolved to terminate its remaining counterterrorism presence in Yemen," the ministry stated, noting that the decision was voluntary and aimed at safeguarding personnel.

Rift over the Southern Transitional Council

The Mukalla airstrike has laid bare the increasing fractures within the Saudi-led coalition, which was established in 2015 to battle Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Although the STC initially endorsed the Saudi-backed government, it has recently commenced a significant offensive in pursuit of an independent southern state.

The STC has claimed control over substantial areas in southern Yemen, including Hadramout and Mahara provinces—regions of strategic importance for Saudi Arabia due to their closeness to its borders. Riyadh has accused the UAE of endorsing the STC's military maneuvers and influencing their aggressive advances, which it sees as a direct threat to its national security.

Saudi Arabia expressed being “deeply disappointed” by what it regards as Emirati-backed actions undermining de-escalation attempts, cautioning that any threat to its security would constitute a "red line".

Yemen Terminates Defence Agreement with UAE

In light of the escalating tensions, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, annulled a defence pact with the UAE and mandated the withdrawal of Emirati forces within 24 hours. Yemeni state media reported that authorities implemented a temporary no-fly zone and instituted a 72-hour blockade by land and sea around strategic ports.

Despite the pressures, the STC dismissed calls for withdrawal from their seized regions, asserting its determination to defend its territories.

Reactions from the Region and Beyond

Qatar has welcomed the comments from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, urging caution while reiterating the necessity of unity among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conducted discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to evaluate the regional situation.

This ongoing crisis underlines the fragile alliances in Yemen's protracted conflict and introduces new uncertainties regarding future coordination among Gulf nations in the strife-torn nation.