Saudi Arabia destroys two UAE arms ships, the explosion's fire illuminates the entire port, White House: This is a big trouble!
Saudi and UAE, who once fought side by side in the Yemen war, now face each other with weapons, even directly bombing the enemy's arms ships.
On the evening of December 28 local time, in Mukalla Port, Hadhramaut Province, southern Yemen. The Saudi Air Force deployed aircraft to accurately strike two cargo ships moored in the port parking lot.
The ships were not carrying ordinary goods, but hundreds of armored vehicles, a large amount of light and heavy weapons, and ammunition secretly transported from Fujairah Port by the UAE, destined for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) - a force long supported by the UAE in Yemen.
According to the Saudi authorities' report, these two ships had turned off their AIS (Automatic Identification System) during the voyage, deliberately evading tracking. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 clearly stipulates that the transfer of weapons to non-governmental armed groups in Yemen is prohibited.
The Saudi-led multinational coalition has been involved in the Yemeni civil war since 2015, citing the enforcement of this resolution as the reason. Now, however, it has turned its focus toward its former ally the UAE, with the reason being "illegal military aid."
Behind this is the fundamental difference in strategic goals between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen. In 2015, the two countries jointly supported Yemeni President Hadi against the Houthis, appearing as a united front. However, over the years, the UAE gradually shifted its support to the Southern Transitional Council, aiming to push for the division of Yemen and establish a pro-UAE buffer zone.
Saudi, on the other hand, insists on maintaining Yemen's unity and supports the "Presidential Leadership Council" composed of eight people as the only legitimate representative. At the beginning of this year, both sides signed a coordination agreement in Riyadh, but obviously, paper agreements could not prevent the split caused by geopolitical interests.
This air strike was not an isolated incident. In the past year, the UAE has repeatedly bypassed Saudi Arabia, directly providing equipment and even training troops to the STC. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has strengthened its military presence in areas like Hadhramaut, trying to curb the northward expansion of the southern forces. This ship-bombing incident is equivalent to openly tearing up the relationship — no longer behind-the-scenes maneuvering, but direct military confrontation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852915211059210/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.