KSA launches strikes on UAE-backed STC arms shipments in eastern Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition has launched a military operation in Hadhramaut, eastern Yemen, following the takeover of key state infrastructure by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The coalition confirmed conducting airstrikes on Al Mukalla port, targeting military shipments allegedly sent from the United Arab Emirates to STC-aligned forces.

“Two ships arrived from the port of Fujairah entered the port of Mukalla on Saturday and Sunday, December 27-28, 2025, without obtaining official permits from the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition,” state news agency SPA reported.

According to the Saudi state news agency SPA, the coalition called on civilians to evacuate Al Mukalla, warning of further military action as part of the operation to restore control over the eastern province.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said last week it was concerned about recent military movements carried out by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen’s eastern provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, warning that the actions risk further destabilizing the country.

The ministry described the moves as an “unjustified escalation” that has harmed the interests of the Yemeni people across all segments, as well as the so-called southern cause, and undermined the efforts of the Saudi-led coalition. It added that the deployments were carried out unilaterally, without the approval of the Saudi-backed Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council.

The ministry said it focused in recent months on preserving unity and had made intensive efforts to reach peaceful solutions to address the situation in the two provinces. It noted that these efforts were coordinated with the United Arab Emirates, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Aden-based government to contain the escalation.

Airstrikes target UAE arms shipments
The Saudi-led coalition said its airstrikes specifically targeted military supplies and weapons offloaded from two ships arriving from the UAE, which were delivered to STC forces. The strikes come amid escalating tensions between Saudi-backed factions and separatist forces in southern and eastern Yemen.

A Yemeni government source told RIA Novosti that Rashad Al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), visited Saudi Arabia in recent days to address the growing crisis. The talks focused on the STC’s takeover of Hadhramaut’s government institutions, including Al Mukalla airport, and the broader implications of the separatists’ conflict with local tribes over oil resources.

Earlier this month, STC-affiliated forces seized control of PetroMasila’s oil fields in Al Masilah, following clashes with the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance, which had been stationed there for over a year. The fighting resulted in 12 casualties, including both killed and injured, according to a local government source.

PetroMasila, which produces between 85,000 and 90,000 barrels of oil per day, was forced to halt operations due to the security situation.

On December 15, sources reported that Saudi troops withdrew from Aden and vacated the coalition’s headquarters in southern Yemen, amid growing concerns about the STC’s increasing influence and seizure of eastern provinces.

STC launches surprise military assault
Since December 2, 2025, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has launched a broad military push across southern and eastern Yemen, rapidly advancing into large parts of Hadramout, marking one of its most significant expansions in recent years.

Most recently, between December 16 and 22, 2025, the STC rejected calls from Yemeni and regional actors to withdraw from Hadramout and al-Mahra, while senior figures discussed steps toward establishing a parallel administrative structure, signalling a deepening push toward de facto separation.

On December 15, 2025, the STC announced a new military operation in Abyan province, with its Security Belt Forces saying the campaign aimed to disrupt militant supply routes, further entrenching the group’s security and military footprint.

By December 9, 2025, STC forces had consolidated control over vast areas in Hadramout and al-Mahra, declaring authority across all eight southern governorates, a move that sharply weakened the presence of the Aden-based government.