Saudi Airstrike Hits Mukalla Port Arms Shipment from UAE Targeted – Yemen Orders UAE Forces Out!

Breaking escalation in Yemen: Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeted the southern port of Mukalla in Hadramout governorate early December 30, 2025, claiming to destroy weapons, armored vehicles, and military equipment unloaded from two ships originating from UAE's Fujairah port over the weekend. Coalition spokesperson Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki described the "limited" strike as necessary to counter an "imminent threat" from arms destined for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists. Saudi state media released footage showing alleged shipments and black smoke rising from the port, with claims of no casualties or collateral damage (unverified independently). Immediate Yemeni response from Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi (Saudi-backed): Declared 90-day state of emergency Imposed 72-hour air, land, and sea blockade Cancelled joint defense pact with UAE Ordered all UAE forces to evacuate Yemeni territory within 24 hours Accused UAE of fueling internal strife and undermining state authority via STC support STC condemned the strike as a "blatant attack," reaffirmed UAE as an ally, and shows no signs of withdrawing from recently seized areas like Mukalla. UAE Foreign Ministry response: Rejected allegations, expressed disappointment and surprise at the strike, called for responsible handling to avoid escalation, emphasized verified facts, coordination, and preserving stability in support of Yemen's political solution. This highlights deepening rift between former allies Saudi Arabia and UAE — once partners against Houthis but now backing opposing factions (Saudi for unified government, UAE for southern autonomy/STC). Risks further fracturing anti-Houthi coalition amid Red Sea disruptions and broader regional tensions. Story developing rapidly — monitor for STC moves, UAE clarifications, or diplomatic interventions. 🔔 Subscribe for Middle East conflict updates and breaking analysis. 💬 Thoughts on Saudi-UAE tensions in Yemen? Comment below. #YemenConflict #MukallaStrike #SaudiUAE #STC Saudi airstrike Mukalla, Yemen port strike 2025, UAE weapons shipment Yemen, Southern Transitional Council, Rashad al-Alimi UAE evacuate, Saudi coalition Yemen, Hadramout Mukalla attack, STC separatists Yemen, Saudi UAE rift Yemen, Yemen state of emergency 2025, Fujairah ships Mukalla, anti-Houthi coalition fracture, Yemen civil war escalation, Red Sea tensions Yemen, Alimi UAE defense pact cancelled, Mukalla port airstrike December 2025, Saudi national security Yemen, UAE de-escalation call Yemen