Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen revealed, in official clarifications, detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the entry of two vessels loaded with military vehicles and weapons containers into Mukalla Port. It affirmed that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement claiming prior coordination with Saudi Arabia is not supported by facts on the ground and contradicts the procedures documented in the field.
The Coalition Command explained that the two vessels entered Mukalla Port in violation of established procedures for such cases and without obtaining any official permits from the Yemeni government or from the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command. It noted that both vessels had shut down their tracking and identification systems before entering Yemeni territorial waters, constituting a clear breach of maritime and security regulations.
The clarifications added that the vessels’ entry coincided with a complete closure of the port and the evacuation of all workers and local employees. After unloading, it was found that the vessels were carrying more than 80 military vehicles, in addition to a number of containers loaded with weapons and ammunition, prompting the Coalition to fully document the arrival and unloading process.
The Coalition Command stated that senior Emirati officials were informed that the vehicles and containers were not permitted to leave Mukalla Port in order to prevent them from reaching conflict areas. However, according to the clarifications, the Emirati side proceeded to transfer the vehicles and containers—without informing Saudi Arabia—to Al-Rayyan Air Base, where only a limited number of Emirati personnel are present, along with forces involved in the escalation.
The Coalition Command further explained that the Emirati side was officially notified that these escalatory practices aimed at fueling the conflict were unacceptable, and that the return of the vehicles to the port was requested, which did take place. The weapons containers, however, were kept inside Al-Rayyan Air Base. During this period, the Coalition obtained confirmed information indicating an intention to move those containers and distribute them to several locations in the Wadi and desert areas of Hadramout, a move that would have led to a serious escalation of the security situation.
The Coalition added that, before dawn today, and in order to avoid casualties or damage to public property, a limited and precise military operation was carried out after applying the rules of engagement and in a manner that ensured the safety of lives and facilities within the port. It confirmed that the remaining containers are still at Al-Rayyan Air Base as of the time of issuing the clarification.
Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement describing the Saudi statement as containing “fundamental inaccuracies,” denying that the shipment included weapons and asserting that the vehicles were not intended for any Yemeni party. It also said the targeting occurred despite prior coordination regarding the shipment.
The UAE further denied exerting pressure on or directing Yemeni parties to carry out military operations that would affect the security or borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It argued that the military statement issued by the Coalition’s spokesperson had not been coordinated with member states, and rejected accusations that it was fueling the conflict.
However, the clarifications issued by the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command affirm—based on a documented sequence of field events—that there was no prior coordination regarding the entry of the two vessels or the transfer of their contents, and that the actions were carried out unilaterally and outside agreed frameworks. This, the Coalition said, constitutes a clear violation of coalition operating mechanisms and undermines efforts to contain escalation and preserve security and stability in Yemen and the region.
