Rising Tensions Between Gulf Allies Mark Major Escalation in Yemen Conflict
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will withdraw its remaining military forces from Yemen, following Saudi airstrikes on the port city of Mukalla. The move comes after Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of secretly delivering weapons and combat vehicles to separatist forces operating in the war-torn country.
The sudden escalation has exposed serious tensions between two of the Middle East’s closest allies, raising concerns about regional stability and the future of Yemen’s fragile political balance.
Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE of Threatening National Security
Saudi Arabia said it carried out “limited” airstrikes on Mukalla early Tuesday after intelligence reports suggested that two UAE ships had delivered unauthorised military equipment to forces linked to the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
In a strongly worded statement, Saudi officials described the alleged actions as:
“Highly dangerous”
A direct threat to Saudi national security
A violation of coordination agreements in Yemen
Saudi Arabia also backed calls from allied Yemeni factions demanding that all Emirati forces leave Yemen within 24 hours.
UAE Initially Rejects Claims but Later Announces Withdrawal
The UAE initially denied the accusations, expressing surprise at the Saudi airstrikes. However, later in the day, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that it would voluntarily withdraw its remaining troops from Yemen.
In an official statement, the ministry said the decision was taken:
“In view of recent developments”
To ensure the safety of Emirati personnel
As part of an orderly withdrawal of remaining counter-terrorism units
The UAE stressed that the move was its own decision, not a response to external pressure.
Video Shows Strike on Vehicles at Mukalla Port
A video released by the Saudi-led coalition showed a single airstrike hitting dozens of vehicles lined up inside a military base near Mukalla’s port.
According to coalition officials, the strike targeted:
Vehicles
Weapons
Equipment linked to unauthorised UAE shipments
Saudi Arabia claims the shipments were intended for STC-aligned forces operating near the kingdom’s southern border.
Yemen’s Presidential Council Accuses UAE of Fueling Instability
The Saudi military announcement followed a speech by Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Council, which is backed by Riyadh.
In his address, Al-Alimi accused the UAE of:
Directing armed groups to rebel against state authority
Escalating military operations
Undermining the fight against Iran-backed Houthi rebels
Saudi Arabia echoed these concerns, warning that any threat to its security would be treated as a “red line.”
Southern Transitional Council at the Centre of Dispute
At the heart of the crisis is the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful separatist group backed by the UAE.
Earlier this month, STC-aligned forces:
Launched an offensive across southern Yemen
Took control of key provinces
Advanced into the oil-rich Hadramout region
Claimed control over eight governorates
The moves angered Saudi-backed government forces, who argue the offensive weakened the broader campaign against the Houthis and renewed calls for southern Yemen to secede as an independent state.
Defence Pact Cancelled as UAE Troops Begin Exit
Before the UAE’s announcement, Saudi-aligned groups in Yemen:
Ended a defence cooperation pact with the UAE
Publicly demanded Emirati forces leave Yemeni territory
By Tuesday evening, Abu Dhabi confirmed that all remaining troops would be withdrawn safely and gradually, marking a dramatic shift in its Yemen strategy.
Saudi authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the UAE’s decision.
United States Urges Restraint and Diplomacy
The United States has expressed concern over the rising tensions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, discussing:
Escalating tensions in Yemen
Regional security risks
The need for diplomatic solutions
In a statement, the US State Department said Washington remains committed to regional stability.
Last week, Rubio urged both sides to show restraint, saying:
“The United States is concerned by recent events in southeastern Yemen. We urge restraint and continued diplomacy to reach a lasting solution.”
Long History of Alliance Now Under Strain
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are:
Major oil-producing nations
Close military and economic allies
Key US partners controlling trillions of dollars in global assets
The two countries previously stood together during:
The Yemen war
The three-year blockade of Qatar, alongside Bahrain and Egypt
Although the UAE formally reduced its military presence in Yemen in 2019, it has continued to exert influence through local allies.
Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
More than a decade of war has devastated Yemen, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The conflict has resulted in:
Severe food shortages
Economic collapse
Destroyed healthcare and education systems
Millions of displaced civilians
Analysts warn that renewed divisions among regional powers could further delay peace efforts and worsen civilian suffering.
References
Reuters
Associated Press (AP)
CNN
US State Department statements
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