Saudi Arabia has released more details on the coalition bombing of the Yemeni port of Mukalla, which has triggered tensions with Gulf Arab neighbour the United Arab Emirates and prompted the latter to say it will withdraw its forces from Yemen.
Coalition spokesman Major-General Turki al-Maliki showed images documenting the military operation carried out early on Tuesday morning.
He stated that upon entering the port of Mukalla, it became clear that the two ships were carrying more than 80 vehicles and containers of weapons and ammunition. He added that the UAE side transferred vehicles, containers, and Emirati personnel to the al-Rayyan base without informing Saudi Arabia.
The spokesman said the coalition adhered to the rules of engagement during the military operation.
The UAE announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, declaring an end to what it called “counterterrorism” operations there, after Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of supporting separatists in Yemen.
The announcement on Tuesday came after Yemen’s internationally recognised government demanded the UAE pull its forces from the country within 24 hours, a call backed by Saudi Arabia.
Hours earlier, Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces attacked the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what Riyadh said was a UAE-linked weapons shipment destined for the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen.
The STC, which initially supported Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthi rebels, launched an offensive against the Saudi Arabia-backed government troops this month, seeking an independent state in the south.
