Reversal: Saudi Arabia strikes Mukalla weapons shipment

On December 30, 2025, Saudi Arabian forces conducted an airstrike on the port city of Mukalla in Yemen, targeting a shipment of weapons from the United Arab Emirates intended for separatist forces.

The attack was part of a Saudi-led coalition operation, which has escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns about a potential resurgence of civil conflict in Yemen.

In response to the airstrike, the United Arab Emirates announced plans to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen, indicating a significant shift in its military involvement in the ongoing conflict.

This incident highlights the fragile situation in Yemen, where ongoing hostilities between various factions, including the Houthis and separatists backed by the UAE, continue to threaten regional stability.

Both the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times reported on the airstrike, while Reuters noted the UAE's decision to pull its forces, underscoring the differing perspectives on the implications of these military actions.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources