Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a forthright disclosure, Saudi Arabia detailed a military airstrike on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, an action that has strained relations with its Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Consequently, Abu Dhabi has declared the exit of its forces from Yemen.

Details of the Airstrike

Major General Turki al-Maliki, a spokesperson for the coalition, shared visual evidence of the airstrike, which occurred early Tuesday morning. He informed that intelligence indicated two ships laden with over 80 vehicles and munitions were present at the port during the operation.

Saudi officials asserted that the cargo was moved to the al-Rayyan military base, with Emirati personnel, without prior coordination with Riyadh. Al-Maliki asserted that the action conformed to engagement rules and did not cause any civilian harm.

UAE's Decision to Withdraw

Following the strike, the UAE announced an end to its so-called counterterrorism mission in Yemen, deciding to retract its personnel. This decision was influenced by escalating pressure from Yemen’s internationally recognized government, demanding Emirati withdrawal within 24 hours—a request supported by Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Defence affirmed that a thorough evaluation of the situation culminated in the decision to cease its mission to maintain the safety and efficacy of its forces.

Fractures in Coalition Support

The airstrike has unveiled increasing rifts within the Saudi-led coalition, which was initially established in 2015 to combat Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of bolstering the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist faction aiming for independence in southern Yemen.

The STC has recently initiated military actions, taking control over substantial territories in the vital Hadramout and Mahara provinces, regions that hold strategic significance due to their proximity to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has labeled these developments a threat to its national security.

Cancellation of Defence Agreement

In the aftermath of the Mukalla strike, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, annulled a defence agreement with the UAE and commanded Emirati forces to exit. He accused the UAE of orchestrating and backing the STC’s military escalations against the Yemeni state.

Saudi Arabia supported the cancellation, urging the UAE to cease any military or financial aid to local factions in Yemen.

UAE Dismisses Saudi Claims

The UAE rejected allegations that the shipment comprised weapons intended for the STC, asserting that the cargo was exclusively for Emirati forces. Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to regional security and sought to avoid further escalation.

Reactions from the Region

Qatar commended statements from both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, interpreting them as a reaffirmation of regional stability and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) principles. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials from the United States and Pakistan regarding the evolving circumstances.

Concerns of Wider Implications

Analysts highlight that rifts within the anti-Houthi coalition could undermine stabilization efforts in Yemen. Saudi scholar Hesham Alghannam pointed out that eastern Yemen presents a significant national security issue for Riyadh due to its strategic location and energy interests.

He warned that any incomplete or fragmented withdrawal could ultimately advantage the Houthis, enhancing the divisions among rival factions.

#Global News