Saudi Arabia declares national security a red line following Yemen attack

Saudi-led Coalition Strikes Yemen’s Mukalla Port

A targeted strike was carried out by the Saudi-led coalition at Yemen’s Mukalla port on Tuesday, according to officials. The coalition accused foreign-backed vessels of delivering weapons to southern separatists.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that the country would defend its national security interests, which it described as a “red line”. The statement also expressed hope that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would take necessary steps to preserve bilateral relations with Gulf Arab nations.

Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki stated that two ships entered Mukalla port on Saturday and Sunday without coalition authorization, unloaded large quantities of weapons and combat vehicles, and disabled their tracking systems. The Saudi-backed head of Yemen’s presidential council, Rashad al-Alimi, said that all forces of the UAE must leave Yemen within 24 hours.

The strike targeted the dock where cargo had been unloaded, according to sources. The coalition claimed that there were no casualties or collateral damage and emphasized that the operation was conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Tensions have been heightened following an offensive by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) against Yemeni government troops backed by the coalition earlier this month. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud called for the STC troops to “peacefully hand over” two regional governorates to the government.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio also urged restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution. The STC initially joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 but later pursued self-rule in southern Yemen. Since 2022, the group has controlled southern territories under a Saudi-backed power-sharing arrangement.

Source: Al Jazeera