Saudi-led coalition forces bombed Yemen's Mukalla port on December 30, 2025, targeting two unauthorized vessels accused of delivering arms and armored vehicles to UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists. The precision strike caused no casualties but shattered nearby structures, prompting Yemen's Saudi-supported Presidential Leadership Council to demand UAE forces exit within 24 hours and impose a 72-hour blockade on ports and borders.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki stated the ships from UAE's Fujairah disabled tracking devices before offloading military hardware to bolster STC offensives in Hadramaut and Mahrah provinces. Riyadh labeled UAE actions a "red line" threatening national security amid Yemen's civil war fractures.
Yemen's government declared a 90-day emergency, terminating UAE defense pacts while STC rejected withdrawal calls, vowing to hold gains. UAE denied arming separatists and announced voluntary troop withdrawal, straining Saudi-Emirati ties despite OPEC alliance.
The clash risks Red Sea disruptions and Houthi exploitation, with US urging restraint for diplomacy; no injuries confirmed as coalition claims humanitarian compliance. Analysts foresee calibrated responses amid stalled peace talks.