The Saudi-led coalition announced on Tuesday that it conducted a limited military operation in eastern Yemen, openly accusing the United Arab Emirates of transferring unauthorized military equipment into the country.

The operation followed a sharp escalation earlier in the day, when Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes near the strategic port city of Al-Mukalla. The coalition stated the strikes targeted unauthorized weapons shipments and military vehicles, prompting emergency security measures around the port.

In a detailed statement, the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command said it was responding to a prior announcement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It alleged that two vessels had entered the port of Al-Mukalla “in violation of the procedures applicable in such cases, without an entry permit from the Yemeni government or the Coalition Command.”

According to the coalition, the ships deactivated their tracking and identification systems before entering Yemeni territorial waters. Upon their arrival, the port was shut down and workers were evacuated.

Inspections revealed the ships were carrying over 80 military vehicles and multiple containers loaded with weapons and ammunition. Saudi officials warned the equipment risked “fueling further escalation in sensitive areas of eastern Yemen.”

The coalition stated that senior Emirati authorities were informed and instructed to prevent the cargo from leaving the port to avoid its transfer to active conflict zones. However, it accused the UAE of acting unilaterally.

“Despite being informed of this, the sisterly Emirati side—without notifying the Kingdom—transferred the vehicles and containers to the Al-Rayyan base,” the statement said.

The Al-Rayyan Air Base reportedly hosts fewer than 10 Emirati personnel alongside local forces whom the coalition accused of “participating in the escalation.”

The coalition said it carried out a “limited military operation” to prevent further escalation, asserting it followed rules of engagement to avoid civilian casualties or damage to public facilities.

“Out of concern to avoid casualties or damage to public property, a limited military operation was carried out in a manner that ensured the safety of lives and port facilities,” the command stated, adding that remaining weapons containers are still located at the Al-Rayyan base.

The unusually direct public rebuke highlights growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over command authority, arms movements, and the management of allied forces in eastern Yemen. Both nations back different local factions despite formally operating under the same coalition banner.

The incident occurred shortly after the UAE announced the withdrawal of its remaining counterterrorism forces from Yemen, a move followed by a reported 24-hour ultimatum from Saudi Arabia.

Analysts view the public clash as a significant milestone, indicating that long-simmering disputes over strategy and influence in Yemen’s complex war are now spilling into the open, potentially reshaping the conflict's dynamics. (ILKHA)