Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Saudi Arabia issued a strong warning to the United Arab Emirates, directly linking Abu Dhabi to recent territorial advances made by Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC). The development has highlighted growing fractures within the coalition that has been involved in Yemen’s long-running conflict and has raised serious concerns about regional stability, particularly across the strategically vital Red Sea region.

According to official statements, the Saudi Foreign Ministry described the UAE’s alleged backing of separatist actions in Yemen as “extremely dangerous”, signalling a rare and direct public rebuke of a key Gulf ally. The warning came amid reports that Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s port city of Mukalla, claiming the operation targeted arms shipments intended for the STC and allegedly originating from the UAE.

The Yemen conflict, now stretching into its second decade, has largely been framed as a war between the internationally recognised Yemeni government and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. However, internal divisions among anti-Houthi forces have increasingly complicated the conflict. The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks autonomy or independence for southern Yemen, has emerged as a powerful actor backed by the UAE, often putting it at odds with Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities.

In its statement, Saudi Arabia explicitly accused the UAE of being linked to the recent gains made by the STC, marking a significant escalation in rhetoric between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. While both countries have historically cooperated in Yemen, they have also backed rival factions, leading to growing friction beneath the surface. The latest developments suggest that these differences are now spilling into open confrontation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi forces bombed the port city of Mukalla, a strategic hub along Yemen’s southern coast. Saudi officials stated that the airstrikes were aimed at an arms shipment destined for the STC, which they claimed had arrived aboard ships from Fujairah, a port city on the UAE’s eastern coast. The operation was described as a preventative measure to neutralise what Saudi Arabia termed an imminent threat to peace and stability.

A military statement released by the Saudi Press Agency detailed the operation, alleging that the ships involved had disabled their tracking devices and unloaded a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles to support STC forces. According to Saudi officials, these actions represented a serious escalation that could undermine ongoing efforts to stabilise Yemen.

The statement further emphasised that the airstrikes were conducted with precision and care. Saudi Arabia said the operation took place overnight to ensure that “no collateral damage occurred”, and there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties. However, independent verification of these claims remains difficult given the complexity of the conflict and limited access to the affected areas.

The strikes in Mukalla mark a fresh escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the STC, as well as a deepening rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. While the two Gulf powers have often coordinated their actions in Yemen, they have also pursued diverging agendas. Saudi Arabia has largely focused on countering Houthi influence and maintaining Yemen’s territorial integrity, while the UAE has been more supportive of southern separatist forces that align with its strategic interests.

Adding to the volatility, Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces declared a state of emergency later on Tuesday. The emergency measures included a 72-hour ban on all border crossings in areas under their control, along with restrictions on access to airports and seaports. Only movements approved by Saudi Arabia were permitted, underscoring Riyadh’s central role in coordinating anti-Houthi operations and security measures.

These steps reflect growing fears that the conflict could spiral further out of control. With multiple armed factions operating on Yemeni soil and external powers backing different groups, the risk of miscalculation has increased significantly. The emergency declaration signals the seriousness with which Saudi Arabia and its allies view the current situation.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Saudi allegations. The absence of an official response has fuelled speculation about how Abu Dhabi will address the accusations and whether diplomatic efforts are underway behind the scenes to prevent a further deterioration in relations.

The STC’s AIC satellite news channel confirmed that strikes had taken place in Mukalla but did not provide additional details. Social media footage cited by Yemen analyst Mohammed al-Basha, founder of the risk advisory firm Basha Report, appeared to show new armoured vehicles moving through the city following the arrival of the ships. These videos, while not independently verified, have added to concerns about the scale of military support reaching the separatist group.

The Yemen war has long been described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing food insecurity, displacement and limited access to healthcare. The latest escalation threatens to worsen an already dire situation, particularly if fighting spreads to key ports like Mukalla, which are essential for the flow of goods and humanitarian aid.

From a regional perspective, the Saudi warning to the UAE comes at a time of heightened unease across the Red Sea and the wider Middle East. Attacks on shipping lanes, regional proxy conflicts and shifting alliances have made stability increasingly fragile. Any rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two of the region’s most influential powers, could have far-reaching implications beyond Yemen.

For Saudi Arabia, the STC’s advances are seen as a challenge to its vision of a unified Yemen that can serve as a stable neighbour. Riyadh has invested heavily, both militarily and diplomatically, in shaping Yemen’s future, and the rise of separatist forces threatens to undermine these efforts. By publicly warning the UAE, Saudi Arabia appears to be drawing a clear line regarding what it considers unacceptable interference.

For the UAE, support for the STC aligns with its broader strategic interests, including securing key ports and countering Islamist groups. However, balancing these interests with its partnership with Saudi Arabia has become increasingly difficult as the Yemen conflict drags on. The latest accusations put Abu Dhabi in a delicate position, facing pressure to respond without escalating tensions further.

The international community is likely to watch developments closely. Any escalation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE could complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Yemen war. Peace initiatives have already faced numerous setbacks, and renewed fighting among anti-Houthi forces risks further fragmenting the political landscape.

In the absence of immediate dialogue, the situation remains volatile. The Saudi airstrikes, the declaration of emergency measures and the public warning to the UAE all point to a dangerous phase in the Yemen conflict, where alliances are being tested and regional rivalries are becoming more pronounced.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s warning to the UAE over alleged backing of Yemen separatists marks a significant moment in the long-running Yemen war. By directly linking Abu Dhabi to the advances of the Southern Transitional Council and backing its claims with military action in Mukalla, Riyadh has signalled that it views the situation as a serious threat to regional stability. As tensions rise, the need for diplomatic engagement and restraint has never been more urgent, not only for Yemen’s future but for the broader security of the Middle East.

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