Saudi Arabia has bombed a weapons shipment from the UAE destined for separatist forces in Yemen, calling the move “highly dangerous” and a threat to its national security.
The Saudi-led coalition said the strike targeted military vehicles and equipment at the Al-Mukalla port in southern Yemen.
AFP footage made available to Okay News showed several vehicles destroyed and smouldering.
The action comes after UAE-backed separatists from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized territories in southern Yemen, challenging the Saudi-backed government. Saudi Arabia warned UAE to withdraw support for Yemeni groups within 24 hours. The STC rejected the call, warning it could spark further conflict.
The Saudi foreign ministry labeled the situation a “red line” and stressed that all measures would be taken to confront any threat.
The Yemeni presidential council declared a 90-day state of emergency and annulled its security pact with the UAE following the strikes. Both sides have left a diplomatic solution open, though tensions continue to escalate in the region.
