Arab Coalition Calls for Immediate Evacuation of Yemen’s Al-Mukalla Port Ahead of Military Operation
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, has issued an urgent directive for civilians to evacuate Al-Mukalla Port in Hadhramaut province, Yemen, ahead of a planned military operation. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the evacuation is intended to safeguard civilians during the operation.
The announcement follows recent warnings by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), urging the group to heed mediation efforts and cease its destabilizing activities. Bin Salman emphasized that the issue of southern Yemen must be resolved through consensus, not reckless actions that benefit common adversaries.
Tensions have escalated between Saudi and UAE-backed factions in eastern and southern Yemen, with the STC refusing Riyadh’s demand to withdraw its forces from Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra provinces. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki reiterated support for the Aden-based government and warned of severe consequences for any military moves undermining de-escalation efforts.
Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra have become focal points of rivalry between the UAE and Saudi proxies, with the STC seizing control of oil-rich areas, prompting Saudi airstrikes. The STC, formed in 2017 with UAE backing, has long clashed with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, leading to repeated armed confrontations in Aden and other southern regions.
