Saudi Airstrikes Hit Yemeni Port City as Rift With UAE Deepens

Saudi Arabia carried out new airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla on Tuesday. The strikes hit weapons shipments that Saudi forces said came from the United Arab Emirates. The attack marked a sharp rise in tensions between two key Gulf allies.According to Reuters and other major outlets, the shipments were meant for the Southern Transitional Council. The group is backed by the UAE and has expanded its control in southern Yemen. The Saudi move showed how divided the coalition has become in the long war.

Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen Raise Concerns Over Regional Stability

Saudi officials said the strikes hit weapons and vehicles unloaded from two ships. They said the ships left the Emirati port of Fujairah and switched off their tracking systems. The cargo was moved into Mukalla, Yemen’s main port on the Arabian Sea.Saudi Arabia said the weapons were going to the Southern Transitional Council. The group wants a separate state in the south. The STC has gained new ground near the Saudi border. This has troubled Riyadh, which supports a unified Yemen.According to the Associated Press, the strike was the second Saudi hit on STC-linked forces in a week. The tensions show a widening split between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The two powers also disagree over Sudan. Both nations have been close partners for years, but their rivalry has grown.The Trump administration now faces new pressure. The U.S. relies on both Saudi Arabia and the UAE for regional policy. Rising conflict between them creates new diplomatic risks.

Impact of the Saudi–UAE Rift on the Yemen Conflict

The Yemen war is now split into several fronts. The Houthis still control the northwest, including the capital, Sanaa. The STC controls most of the south. Saudi-backed forces have lost ground in recent weeks.The clash between Saudi Arabia and the UAE adds a new layer of uncertainty. It could weaken efforts to stabilize Yemen. It also increases the chance of more proxy battles in the region.Analysts say the tension may shift the balance of power. The STC may push harder for independence. Saudi Arabia may strengthen border forces to limit STC influence.

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The Saudi airstrikes mark a turning point in the Yemen conflict. The growing Saudi–UAE split could reshape the war and the wider Gulf region. The main keyword “Saudi airstrikes” reflects this major shift.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What triggered the Saudi airstrikes?

Saudi Arabia said it targeted weapons shipments from the UAE. The weapons were meant for the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen. Riyadh saw this as a threat to its interests.

Q2: Where did the strike take place?

The airstrikes hit Mukalla. It is Yemen’s largest port on the Arabian Sea. It is also close to key oil regions.

Q3: Why are Saudi Arabia and the UAE disagreeing?

They back different groups in Yemen. They also clash over strategy in Sudan and other regional issues. Their rivalry has grown despite long cooperation.

Q4: Who controls most of southern Yemen now?

The Southern Transitional Council controls most of the south. The group has expanded its area in recent weeks. This has increased Saudi concerns.

Q5: How is the U.S. involved?

The U.S. works closely with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Rising tensions make U.S. diplomacy more complex. The Trump administration is watching the situation closely.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC, Wall Street Journal