Riyadh – The Saudi-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen conducted a targeted air operation in the port city of Mukalla on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, following the unauthorized arrival of two vessels carrying weapons and military vehicles. The operation aimed to disrupt the flow of arms to forces aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in eastern Yemen, a move the coalition asserts violates de-escalation efforts and a UN Security Council resolution. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the anti-Houthi alliance and the challenges to establishing lasting peace in Yemen.
Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al-Maliki stated the ships docked on December 27th and 28th, originating from Fujairah Port without the necessary approvals from the Joint Forces Command. Authorities allege the crews deliberately disabled tracking systems before offloading the cargo, raising concerns about transparency and potential illicit activities. The coalition’s intervention underscores its commitment to controlling arms shipments within the country.
Coalition Action and Justification in Yemen
According to Al-Maliki, the weapons were intended to bolster forces in the Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, regions experiencing relative stability but vulnerable to renewed conflict. The coalition characterized the shipment as a direct challenge to ongoing attempts to reduce tensions and a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015), which imposes an arms embargo on Yemen. This resolution aims to prevent the supply of weapons to groups that could undermine the peace process.
The operation was reportedly authorized by the Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, who requested measures to protect civilians in the affected areas. Al-Maliki emphasized that the airstrike was a “limited, precision operation” carried out in full compliance with international humanitarian law, with precautions taken to minimize any unintended harm. The coalition maintains it is focused on protecting the civilian population.
Background on the Yemeni Conflict
The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 with the Houthi movement seizing control of the capital, Sanaa, leading to a military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government. The war has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions facing starvation and disease. Numerous factions are involved, complicating efforts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
The Southern Transitional Council, a separatist group seeking independence for South Yemen, has been a complex player in the conflict. While nominally allied with the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, the STC has clashed with forces loyal to the Yemeni government on multiple occasions, vying for control of territory and resources. This latest incident demonstrates the fragility of that alliance.
The coalition’s statement indicated that the strike successfully targeted the weapons and vehicles after they were unloaded, with no reported casualties or damage to port infrastructure. However, independent verification of these claims is currently unavailable. The lack of independent access to the region often hinders accurate reporting on military operations.
Additionally, the coalition reiterated its commitment to preventing unauthorized military support to any Yemeni faction without coordination with the legitimate government and the coalition itself. This policy aims to centralize control over arms and ensure they are used to support the overall peace process, rather than fueling localized conflicts. The coalition views coordinated efforts as essential for long-term stability.
The incident raises questions about the oversight of arms shipments to the region and the potential for escalation. While the coalition asserts its actions were limited and precise, the STC may view the strike as a hostile act, potentially leading to retaliatory measures. The broader implications for the already fragile peace talks remain uncertain.
The situation in eastern Yemen is particularly sensitive due to the presence of oil infrastructure and the potential for disruptions to global energy supplies. Maintaining security in these areas is a key priority for the coalition and the Yemeni government. The influx of weapons could destabilize the region and threaten vital economic assets.
The ongoing arms embargo and the coalition’s enforcement efforts are critical components of the international strategy to resolve the Yemeni conflict. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often questioned, with reports of continued arms smuggling and violations of the embargo. Strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms is crucial to achieving lasting peace.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely be on de-escalating tensions between the coalition and the STC, and resuming negotiations towards a comprehensive political settlement. The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen is expected to play a key role in mediating these discussions. The success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and prioritize the needs of the Yemeni people. The next steps will be closely monitored by international observers, with a deadline for further negotiations expected within the next month.
