A US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, a US official said Tuesday, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.&nbsp;US Central Command “has a task force in place for enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support with Saudi forces,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the military command “maintains a strong security alliance with our Saudi partners in confronting regional challenges.”&nbsp;The Houthis have renewed fighting against Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-praises-centre-over-pahalgam-attack-condemnation-at-brics-in-presence-of-pakistan-s-allies-1789478311956">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies</a>&nbsp;The Houthis seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week.&nbsp;The Houthis also attacked oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter.&nbsp;Last week, US media reported that the kingdom’s crown prince made a personal request to President Donald Trump for US intervention, but was turned down.&nbsp;Trump said on Saturday that the Houthis have asked Washington not to intervene.&nbsp;Iran has long supported the Houthis, a member of its anti-Israel “axis of resistance”, including with weapons and technology, but has denied any role in the current war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-s-sons-accuse-asim-munir-of-holding-personal-grudge-against-imprisoned-father-1789484359759">Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Saudi Arabia issues brief danger alerts for Mecca&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia’s civil defence issued brief alerts on Tuesday warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid an escalation in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The alert for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, was the first such warning, but authorities said the danger had cleared minutes later.&nbsp;&nbsp;The alerts came a day after ballistic missiles and drones launched from Yemen injured 13 people in southern Saudi Arabia. The Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense posted on X, “The danger has passed in Mecca City. For your safety, continue following Civil Defense instructions and avoid gathering and filming. In case of emergency, call (911).”<h2>Saudi Arabia carried out over 350 airstrikes on Yemen, violated sovereignty, say Houthis</h2>&nbsp;The Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of continuing “aggressive raids” against Yemen, saying Saudi forces had carried out more than 350 airstrikes in a matter of days, targeting public and private property and causing civilian casualties.&nbsp;“We hold the Saudi regime responsible for its continued violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and its targeting of people and their property,” Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdel Salam said on social media.&nbsp;He warned that the escalation would not achieve Saudi Arabia’s objectives, arguing that Riyadh had already tried the military option and “achieved nothing but failure”.&nbsp;“The return to a failed option reflects an aggressive mentality that does not believe in dialogue or peace,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-has-the-potential-to-kill-us-all-ex-deepmind-researcher-sounds-alarm-on-superintelligence-threat-1789475011718">‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat</a><h2>Houthi attacks on ships likely constitute war crimes: Human Rights Watch&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The latest attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, said New York-based Human Rights Watch organization on Tuesday.&nbsp;The attacks on ships followed the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports in response to what the group claimed was a Saudi sea and air blockade of their territory in Yemen.&nbsp;Under international law, attacks on civilians or civilian objects committed recklessly or with deliberate intent can constitute war crimes.&nbsp;“The Houthis are once again putting seafarers’ lives at deadly risk through their attacks on commercial ships, this time as part of their hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition,” HRW said in the statement.“Whatever the geopolitics, attacks on civilian crews carried out deliberately or recklessly are war crimes,” it added.

A US official said on Tuesday that a US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

A US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, a US official said Tuesday, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters. US Central Command “has a task force in place for enhancing intelligence sharing and planning support with Saudi forces,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the military command “maintains a strong security alliance with our Saudi partners in confronting regional challenges.” The Houthis have renewed fighting against Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. Also Read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah praises Centre over Pahalgam attack condemnation at BRICS in presence of Pakistan’s allies The Houthis seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week. The Houthis also attacked oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter. Last week, US media reported that the kingdom’s crown prince made a personal request to President Donald Trump for US intervention, but was turned down. Trump said on Saturday that the Houthis have asked Washington not to intervene. Iran has long supported the Houthis, a member of its anti-Israel “axis of resistance”, including with weapons and technology, but has denied any role in the current war. Also Read: Imran Khan’s sons accuse Asim Munir of holding ‘personal grudge’ against imprisoned father Saudi Arabia issues brief danger alerts for Mecca Saudi Arabia’s civil defence issued brief alerts on Tuesday warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid an escalation in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The alert for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, was the first such warning, but authorities said the danger had cleared minutes later. The alerts came a day after ballistic missiles and drones launched from Yemen injured 13 people in southern Saudi Arabia. The Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense posted on X, “The danger has passed in Mecca City. For your safety, continue following Civil Defense instructions and avoid gathering and filming. In case of emergency, call (911).” Saudi Arabia carried out over 350 airstrikes on Yemen, violated sovereignty, say Houthis The Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of continuing “aggressive raids” against Yemen, saying Saudi forces had carried out more than 350 airstrikes in a matter of days, targeting public and private property and causing civilian casualties. “We hold the Saudi regime responsible for its continued violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and its targeting of people and their property,” Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdel Salam said on social media. He warned that the escalation would not achieve Saudi Arabia’s objectives, arguing that Riyadh had already tried the military option and “achieved nothing but failure”. “The return to a failed option reflects an aggressive mentality that does not believe in dialogue or peace,” he said. Also Read: ‘AI has the potential to kill us all’: Ex-DeepMind researcher sounds alarm on superintelligence threat Houthi attacks on ships likely constitute war crimes: Human Rights Watch The latest attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, said New York-based Human Rights Watch organization on Tuesday. The attacks on ships followed the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 that they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports in response to what the group claimed was a Saudi sea and air blockade of their territory in Yemen. Under international law, attacks on civilians or civilian objects committed recklessly or with deliberate intent can constitute war crimes. “The Houthis are once again putting seafarers’ lives at deadly risk through their attacks on commercial ships, this time as part of their hostilities with the Saudi-led coalition,” HRW said in the statement. “Whatever the geopolitics, attacks on civilian crews carried out deliberately or recklessly are war crimes,” it added.

A US official said on Tuesday that a US military task force is working to enhance intelligence sharing and planning assistance for Saudi forces, as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the coalition said that it carried out new strikes in an effort to stop separatist leader Al-Zubaidi from “escalating the conflict” and extending it into Aldhale Governorate. The coalition was “working with the Yemeni government and the local authorities... to support security efforts and maintain order,” it said in a statement.Meanwhile, Al-Zubaidi, the STC leader, was expected to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday (Jan 6) for talks aimed at resolving the issues. However, the plane he was going to board was delayed, and he was not on board when it departed.Al-Zubaidi has “fled to an unknown location, leaving (separatist group) members and leaders without any information about his whereabouts,” the coalition said.Earlier on Saturday (Jan 3), Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. The UAE-backed separatists had announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in earlier airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition.Last month, the separatists seized large swathes of territory in Yemen, including much of Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia, expelling Saudi-backed government forces. However, last week’s strikes and a counter-offensive pushed back the separatists.The developments come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab.The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.

The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane.

The Saudi-led coalition on Wednesday (Jan 7) said that it launched ‘limited pre-emptive strikes’ in Yemen to prevent UAE-backed secessionists from escalating the conflict. It added that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, has “fled to an unknown location”. The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane. This comes amid the ongoing tensions in the region. On Wednesday, the coalition said that it carried out new strikes in an effort to stop separatist leader Al-Zubaidi from “escalating the conflict” and extending it into Aldhale Governorate. The coalition was “working with the Yemeni government and the local authorities... to support security efforts and maintain order,” it said in a statement. Meanwhile, Al-Zubaidi, the STC leader, was expected to travel to Riyadh on Tuesday (Jan 6) for talks aimed at resolving the issues. However, the plane he was going to board was delayed, and he was not on board when it departed. Al-Zubaidi has “fled to an unknown location, leaving (separatist group) members and leaders without any information about his whereabouts,” the coalition said. Earlier on Saturday (Jan 3), Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. The UAE-backed separatists had announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in earlier airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition. Last month, the separatists seized large swathes of territory in Yemen, including much of Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia, expelling Saudi-backed government forces. However, last week’s strikes and a counter-offensive pushed back the separatists. The developments come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab. The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.

The separatist leader was due to fly to Saudi Arabia Tuesday night for peace talks, but did not board the plane.

Saudi-led coalition launches strikes in Yemen, says separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi ‘fled to unknown location’

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 3) called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. Earlier, the UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition.In a statement on X, the Saudi ministry urged the convening of a “a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause”, adding that the Yemeni government had issued the invitation for talks.“Building on the close relation between the two brotherly countries and what shared interests require under the current circumstances, and in continuance of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the request of His Excellency the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and calls upon all southern factions to actively participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the southern cause that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the southern people,” the statement added.Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.The bombardment and surprise independence bid come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab.The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.“The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” STC president Aidaros Alzubidi. He also urged talks, warning that the group would declare independence “immediately” if there was no dialogue or if southern Yemen was attacked again.“The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” Alzubidi said. “This constitutional declaration shall be considered immediately and directly effective before that date (January 2, 2028) if the call is not heeded or if the people of the South, their land, or their forces are subjected to any military attacks.”

Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 3) called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. Earlier, the UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition. In a statement on X, the Saudi ministry urged the convening of a “a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause”, adding that the Yemeni government had issued the invitation for talks. “Building on the close relation between the two brotherly countries and what shared interests require under the current circumstances, and in continuance of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the request of His Excellency the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and calls upon all southern factions to actively participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the southern cause that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the southern people,” the statement added. Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20. The bombardment and surprise independence bid come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab. The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990. “The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” STC president Aidaros Alzubidi. He also urged talks, warning that the group would declare independence “immediately” if there was no dialogue or if southern Yemen was attacked again. “The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” Alzubidi said. “This constitutional declaration shall be considered immediately and directly effective before that date (January 2, 2028) if the call is not heeded or if the people of the South, their land, or their forces are subjected to any military attacks.”

Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.

Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ in Riyadh as Yemen separatists announce independence transition after deadly strikes

All flights to and from Yemen’s Aden International Airport were halted on Thursday as the rivalry between the two Gulf powers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been deepening and reshaping war-torn Yemen. Several passengers crowded the terminal at the airport, which is the main international gateway for parts of Yemen outside Houthi control, and kept waiting for any updates on their flights. Later on Thursday, Yemeni sources said flights between Aden and all destinations outside the UAE would resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;Air traffic was shut down after a row over curbs on flights to the UAE, though there were contradictory accounts.&nbsp;“We are suffering, and many other patients and elderly people here are waiting in a difficult situation,” said Awadh al-Subaihi, who was waiting for a flight to Cairo for medical treatment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-killed-as-protests-over-high-inflation-economic-woes-turn-violent-in-iran-1767284635163">3 killed as protests over high inflation, economic woes turn violent in Iran</a>&nbsp;The UAE backs the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that seized large parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government last month, but Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, regarded the move as a threat, triggering the biggest crisis between the two Gulf powers in decades.&nbsp;The situation is complex, as the UAE-backed STC controls the transport ministry in the internationally recognised coalition government, whose main leadership is supported by Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-gutted-in-fire-was-built-illegally-officials-colluded-with-owners-probe-report-1767278546548">Goa nightclub gutted in fire was built illegally, officials colluded with owners</a><h2> STC-controlled ministry accuses Saudi Arabia of imposing air blockade</h2>&nbsp;The ministry accused Saudi Arabia of imposing an air blockade, saying Riyadh had instituted measures requiring all flights to go via Saudi Arabia for extra checks. Saudi Arabia clarified that the restriction was only on flights between Aden and the UAE.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shares-new-york-post-editorial-highly-critical-of-putin-signalling-displeasure-1767270412761">Trump shares New York Post editorial highly critical of Putin, signalling displeasure</a>&nbsp;A Saudi source denied any role in restricting the air traffic and said that the Yemeni government had imposed the requirement on flights between Aden and the UAE in order to curb escalating tensions.The Saudi source added that the STC-controlled ministry responded by ordering a full shutdown of air traffic rather than complying with the restrictions on flights to and from the UAE.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-praises-troops-hails-north-korea-s-invincible-alliance-with-russia-1767263998705">Kim Jong-un praises troops, hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia</a>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of pressuring STC to push towards the kingdom’s borders and declared its national security a “red line”, prompting the UAE to say it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.&nbsp;The Saudi-led coalition forces also launched an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla that the coalition said was a dock used to provide foreign military support to the separatists.

The UAE backs the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that seized large parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government last month, but Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, regarded the move as a threat.

All flights to and from Yemen’s Aden International Airport were halted on Thursday as the rivalry between the two Gulf powers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been deepening and reshaping war-torn Yemen. Several passengers crowded the terminal at the airport, which is the main international gateway for parts of Yemen outside Houthi control, and kept waiting for any updates on their flights. Later on Thursday, Yemeni sources said flights between Aden and all destinations outside the UAE would resume. Air traffic was shut down after a row over curbs on flights to the UAE, though there were contradictory accounts. “We are suffering, and many other patients and elderly people here are waiting in a difficult situation,” said Awadh al-Subaihi, who was waiting for a flight to Cairo for medical treatment. Also Read: 3 killed as protests over high inflation, economic woes turn violent in Iran The UAE backs the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that seized large parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government last month, but Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, regarded the move as a threat, triggering the biggest crisis between the two Gulf powers in decades. The situation is complex, as the UAE-backed STC controls the transport ministry in the internationally recognised coalition government, whose main leadership is supported by Saudi Arabia. Also Read: Goa nightclub gutted in fire was built illegally, officials colluded with owners STC-controlled ministry accuses Saudi Arabia of imposing air blockade The ministry accused Saudi Arabia of imposing an air blockade, saying Riyadh had instituted measures requiring all flights to go via Saudi Arabia for extra checks. Saudi Arabia clarified that the restriction was only on flights between Aden and the UAE. Also Read: Trump shares New York Post editorial highly critical of Putin, signalling displeasure A Saudi source denied any role in restricting the air traffic and said that the Yemeni government had imposed the requirement on flights between Aden and the UAE in order to curb escalating tensions. The Saudi source added that the STC-controlled ministry responded by ordering a full shutdown of air traffic rather than complying with the restrictions on flights to and from the UAE. Also Read: Kim Jong-un praises troops, hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of pressuring STC to push towards the kingdom’s borders and declared its national security a “red line”, prompting the UAE to say it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition forces also launched an airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla that the coalition said was a dock used to provide foreign military support to the separatists.

The UAE backs the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that seized large parts of southern Yemen from the internationally recognised government last month, but Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, regarded the move as a threat.

Yemen’s Aden airport air traffic halted amid Saudi-UAE rivalry as rift deepens; passengers stranded

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Dec 30) said that the UAE’s support for a separatist offensive in Yemen was a threat to the kingdom’s national security and stability in the region, hours after the Riyadh-led coalition launched strikes against an arms shipment from the UAE at a port in Yemen. In a statement issued by the foreign ministry of the Kingdom, Riyadh said that the actions of the UAE are “extremely dangerous”. Saudi Arabia also called for the withdrawal of UAE forces from Yemen within 24 hours.The UAE’s actions in Yemen “constitute a threat to the Kingdom’s national security, as well as to security and stability in the Republic of Yemen and the region,” read the statement. It added that the “steps taken by the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates are extremely dangerous.”“The Kingdom stresses the importance of the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates responding to the Republic of Yemen's request for the withdrawal of its military forces from the Republic of Yemen within 24 hours, and for the cessation of any military or financial support to any party inside Yemen,” the foreign ministry said.Saudi Arabia has alleged that the UAE carried out the movement of ships carrying weapons and armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, without obtaining official approvals from the Coalition Joint Forces Command.“The steps taken by the UAE are considered highly dangerous, inconsistent with the principles upon which the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen was established, and do not serve the coalition’s purpose of achieving security and stability for Yemen,” the statement added. “In this context, the Kingdom stresses that any threat to its national security is a red line, and the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralise any such threat.”<h2>Saudi-led coalition strikes on Yemen port</h2>Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition targeted two ships carrying “a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles to support the Southern Transitional Council forces,” the Saudi state news agency SPA reported.“Given the danger and escalation posed by these weapons... the Coalition air forces carried out a limited military operation this morning targeting weapons and combat vehicles that had been unloaded from the two ships at the port of al-Mukalla,” it said.The ships sailed from Fujairah, an eastern port of the UAE, SPA reported. The operation was carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law, adding that there was no collateral damage in the attack.Meanwhile, Yemen has declared a state of emergency as separatist conflict rages in the country. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent state of South Yemen, has swept through swathes of the country in recent weeks, expelling other government forces and their allies.

Saudi Arabia has alleged that the UAE carried out the movement of ships carrying weapons and armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, without obtaining official approvals from the Coalition Joint Forces Command.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Dec 30) said that the UAE’s support for a separatist offensive in Yemen was a threat to the kingdom’s national security and stability in the region, hours after the Riyadh-led coalition launched strikes against an arms shipment from the UAE at a port in Yemen. In a statement issued by the foreign ministry of the Kingdom, Riyadh said that the actions of the UAE are “extremely dangerous”. Saudi Arabia also called for the withdrawal of UAE forces from Yemen within 24 hours. The UAE’s actions in Yemen “constitute a threat to the Kingdom’s national security, as well as to security and stability in the Republic of Yemen and the region,” read the statement. It added that the “steps taken by the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates are extremely dangerous.” “The Kingdom stresses the importance of the sisterly state of the United Arab Emirates responding to the Republic of Yemen's request for the withdrawal of its military forces from the Republic of Yemen within 24 hours, and for the cessation of any military or financial support to any party inside Yemen,” the foreign ministry said. Saudi Arabia has alleged that the UAE carried out the movement of ships carrying weapons and armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, without obtaining official approvals from the Coalition Joint Forces Command. “The steps taken by the UAE are considered highly dangerous, inconsistent with the principles upon which the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen was established, and do not serve the coalition’s purpose of achieving security and stability for Yemen,” the statement added. “In this context, the Kingdom stresses that any threat to its national security is a red line, and the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralise any such threat.” Saudi-led coalition strikes on Yemen port Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition targeted two ships carrying “a large quantity of weapons and combat vehicles to support the Southern Transitional Council forces,” the Saudi state news agency SPA reported. “Given the danger and escalation posed by these weapons... the Coalition air forces carried out a limited military operation this morning targeting weapons and combat vehicles that had been unloaded from the two ships at the port of al-Mukalla,” it said. The ships sailed from Fujairah, an eastern port of the UAE, SPA reported. The operation was carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law, adding that there was no collateral damage in the attack. Meanwhile, Yemen has declared a state of emergency as separatist conflict rages in the country. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent state of South Yemen, has swept through swathes of the country in recent weeks, expelling other government forces and their allies.

Saudi Arabia has alleged that the UAE carried out the movement of ships carrying weapons and armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, without obtaining official approvals from the Coalition Joint Forces Command.

‘Will not hesitate to neutralise threat’: Saudi warns UAE after striking Yemen port over arms supply

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‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official

Saudi-led coalition strikes Yemen, says al-Zubaidi ‘fled to unknown location’

Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ as Yemen separatists announce independence transition

Yemen’s Aden airport air traffic halted amid Saudi-UAE rivalry as rift deepens

‘Will neutralise threat’: Saudi warns UAE after striking Yemen port