Al Mukalla, December 30, 2025 (Agencies) – The Saudi-led Arab coalition has announced the conclusion of its limited military operation at the port of Al Mukalla in eastern Yemen, stating that port activities have returned to normal following targeted strikes on military cargo.
According to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the operation was carried out against military shipments destined for southern separatist forces of the Southern Transitional Council, which is widely backed by the United Arab Emirates. The coalition said the strikes caused no civilian casualties or collateral damage and were aimed at preventing further destabilization in the strategic Hadhramaut province.
Earlier, the coalition had warned civilians to evacuate the port area before confirming that two ships carrying military equipment from the UAE to separatist forces were hit. The operation came amid escalating tensions in eastern Yemen, where STC-aligned forces recently seized control of government institutions, the airport, and key oil facilities following clashes with local tribal forces.
In a related development, the United Arab Emirates has announced the withdrawal of its remaining military personnel from Yemen, effectively ending its direct military presence in the country. UAE officials said the pullout includes the last counterterrorism units that had remained after most Emirati forces were redeployed in 2019, adding that the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the security situation.
The withdrawal follows growing friction between Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and UAE-backed factions. Yemeni officials have voiced concerns over external military support to separatist forces, while the STC has resisted calls for a full disengagement. The situation has further strained relations within the Saudi-led coalition.
The instability has already impacted Yemen’s vital energy sector. Earlier this month, clashes in the Al Masilah oil fields forced PetroMasila to suspend production of up to 90,000 barrels per day after southern separatist forces took control of the facilities, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Analysts say the end of the Saudi operation in Al Mukalla, combined with the UAE’s military withdrawal, signals a significant shift in the balance of power in eastern Yemen, with implications for ongoing political negotiations, regional alliances, and the fragile security environment in the country.