Mukalla: The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced that two vessels arriving at the southern port of Mukalla were found to be carrying containers loaded with weapons and ammunition. The coalition stated that the vessels entered the port without securing entry permits from the Yemeni government or the Coalition Command.

According to Nam News Network, coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki revealed on X that the shipment, allegedly meant for Emirati forces, was transferred to Al-Rayyan Base by the United Arab Emirates without notifying the Saudi side. Al-Maliki also noted that the vessels had deactivated their tracking and identification systems before entering Yemeni territorial waters. Subsequent inspections discovered that the containers were loaded with weapons and ammunition.

Al-Maliki further explained that there was confirmed information suggesting the containers were to be transported and distributed across Yemen's oil-rich Hadramout province, which borders Saudi Arabia. The province has recently seen an increase in military presence by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The Coalition Command has reported conducting a limited military operation in Mukalla earlier in the day. Saudi media indicated that the airstrike did not result in any casualties or collateral damage. Nonetheless, this development signifies a notable escalation in tensions between the two Gulf states.

In the midst of these rising tensions, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion focused on the latest developments in Yemen and the situation in the Gaza Strip.