Saudi Airstrike Shakes Gulf Alliance

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Saudi Arabia’s recent airstrike targeting UAE-backed separatists in Yemen has further strained the alliance between these two Gulf powers.

Story Snapshot

Saudi Arabia conducted an airstrike on Mukalla port, targeting UAE-supplied weapons.
This move was followed by a 24-hour ultimatum for UAE troop withdrawal from Yemen.
The UAE complied, announcing a withdrawal from its counterterrorism mission.
The event highlights a significant rift in the Saudi-UAE alliance.

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Move in Yemen

Saudi Arabia recently launched a decisive military airstrike on the port city of Mukalla in Yemen. The target was a shipment of weapons allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist movement in southern Yemen. This move underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to curb UAE-backed territorial expansions, which Saudi officials view as a destabilizing factor in the region.

Immediately following the airstrike, Saudi Arabia issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the UAE, demanding the withdrawal of its troops from Yemen. This ultimatum was a direct response to the UAE’s involvement in supporting the STC, whose expansion poses a threat to Saudi Arabia’s interests in maintaining regional stability. Within hours, the UAE announced its compliance, signifying a withdrawal from its counterterrorism mission in Yemen.

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Underlying Tensions Between Gulf Allies

The Saudi-UAE partnership in Yemen has historically been a cornerstone of their joint military operations against the Iranian-aligned Houthis. However, differing strategic objectives have created friction. While Saudi Arabia is focused on securing its borders and preventing Houthi expansion, the UAE’s investments in the STC aim to control strategic ports and trade routes. This has led to a complex power dynamic where both nations’ interests have increasingly diverged.

The STC, heavily supported by the UAE, has been making significant territorial gains in southern Yemen. Their “Operation Promising Future” has swept across several regions, capturing vital economic assets like oil fields and ports. This expansion is viewed by Saudi Arabia as a potential threat to its regional dominance and a destabilizing factor that could alter the balance of power in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia conducts airstrike on Yemeni port city targeting shipment believed to be linked to UAE-backed separatists https://t.co/VrgD9m0e00 via @OANN

— Danny Stommels (@StommelsDanny) December 31, 2025

Implications for Regional Stability

The recent developments have profound implications for regional stability. The UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen marks a tactical victory for Saudi Arabia, allowing it to reassert control over the coalition’s operations in the country. However, the long-term impact could lead to further fragmentation of the anti-Houthi coalition, as the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE exposes underlying tensions.

For Yemen, the ongoing conflict and shifting alliances mean continued instability for its civilian population. The reduction of direct UAE support may hinder the STC’s operational capabilities, potentially opening the door for Houthi advancements. These developments underscore the complexities of the conflict in Yemen, where competing Gulf ambitions continue to shape the landscape.