Saudi-led Coalition Strikes Mukalla Port After Unauthorized Ship Unloading

On December 29, 2025, the Saudi-led coalition announced a significant military action in Yemen, targeting the port of Mukalla. The coalition reported that two ships arriving from Fujairah entered the port without authorization, disabled their tracking systems, and unloaded substantial quantities of weapons and combat vehicles intended for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council forces operating in eastern Yemen.

Key Details

The Saudi-led coalition, which has been involved in the Yemeni conflict since 2015, stated that the two vessels had violated international maritime protocols by entering the port of Mukalla without prior approval. The coalition"s spokesperson, Colonel Turki al-Maliki, confirmed that the ships had disabled their tracking systems, a move that raised alarms about their intentions and the nature of their cargo.

Upon unloading, the coalition conducted airstrikes targeting the weapons and combat vehicles at Mukalla port. Colonel al-Maliki emphasized that the airstrikes were executed in accordance with international humanitarian law, ensuring that there was no collateral damage to civilian infrastructure or personnel in the vicinity. This assertion aims to mitigate concerns regarding the potential impact of military operations on civilian populations, which has been a contentious issue in the ongoing conflict.

The Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, has been a significant player in the Yemeni civil war, seeking greater autonomy for southern Yemen. The coalition"s actions against the unauthorized shipments underscore the ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics of the conflict, which involves multiple factions and international interests.

Background

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana"a, prompting a military intervention by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The coalition"s primary objective has been to restore the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The involvement of regional powers, particularly the UAE, has added layers of complexity, with various factions vying for control and influence in the region.

The port city of Mukalla has been a strategic location in this conflict, previously serving as a stronghold for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) before being retaken by coalition forces in 2016. The recent incident highlights the ongoing military operations and the coalition"s commitment to countering arms supplies to groups it deems hostile.

Image for Saudi-led coalition strikes Mukalla port after unauthorized ship unloading

What"s Next

The Saudi-led coalition"s airstrikes at Mukalla port may lead to heightened tensions in the region, particularly with the Southern Transitional Council, which may perceive the coalition"s actions as a direct threat to its military capabilities. As the conflict continues, the international community will likely monitor the situation closely, especially regarding compliance with international humanitarian law and the potential for further military engagements.

As previously reported, the situation in Yemen remains fluid, with various factions and external powers involved in a complex web of alliances and hostilities. The coalition"s recent actions may provoke retaliatory measures from the Southern Transitional Council or its allies, further complicating the already volatile landscape in Yemen.

For more on international military operations, see our recent developments regarding military interventions across the globe.