Saudi Arabia Bombs Yemen Port After Calling UAE Strike ‘Dangerous’; Implications for Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact

A general view of Yemen’s Mukalla port following heightened regional tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen operations.

Riyadh / Aden:
Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes on a key port in southern Yemen, escalating regional tensions after Riyadh publicly described actions by its “brotherly” ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as “dangerous” and a threat to regional security. The development has raised questions about shifting Gulf alliances and the broader impact on Saudi Arabia’s strategic defence partnerships, including its defence pact with Pakistan.

What Happened in Yemen

According to regional and international media reports, Saudi air forces targeted logistical facilities and military assets at a Yemen port believed to be linked to UAE-backed factions. Saudi officials stated that the strike was aimed at preventing the movement of weapons and armored vehicles that could destabilize the fragile balance in southern Yemen.

Riyadh warned that unauthorized military actions by allied forces inside Yemenundermine coalition objectives and risk deepening the conflict. The unusually strong language used against the UAE signals one of the most serious public disagreements between the two Gulf partners since the start of the Yemen war.

Saudi–UAE Rift Deepens

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have long cooperated militarily in Yemen, but differences over political influence, separatist groups, and control of ports have increasingly surfaced. The latest Saudi strike follows reports that Abu Dhabi is reassessing its military footprint in Yemen, while Riyadh seeks to maintain centralized control over coalition operations.

Analysts say the incident reflects a strategic divergence, not a complete rupture, but it exposes growing competition between the two Gulf powers over Yemen’s future.

Does This Affect the Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact?

The escalation has prompted speculation about the Saudi–Pakistan defence agreement, signed to strengthen military cooperation and mutual security assurances.

However, defence experts emphasize that:

·         The Saudi–Pakistan pact applies only in the event of a direct external attack on either country.

·         The current crisis involves intra-coalition tensions, not an attack on Saudi Arabia by a foreign state.

·         Pakistan is not militarily involved in Yemen and has consistently avoided direct participation in the conflict.

As a result, there is no immediate trigger for Pakistan’s involvement, and Islamabad is expected to maintain its policy of strategic neutrality while continuing defence cooperation with Riyadh.

Regional and Strategic Implications

The Saudi strike highlights several broader trends:

·         Fragmentation within the Gulf-led coalition, weakening unified pressure on Yemen’s warring factions

·         Increased uncertainty over future peace efforts in Yemen

·         Growing importance of bilateral defence pacts, such as Saudi–Pakistan ties, as Gulf states reassess alliances

Security observers note that while Saudi Arabia remains a key defence partner for Pakistan, Islamabad is unlikely to be drawn into regional rivalries that do not directly threaten Saudi or Pakistani sovereignty.

What Comes Next

Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify behind the scenes to prevent further escalation between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the Yemen conflict continues to be shaped not only by local forces but also by shifting regional power dynamics.

For Pakistan, the episode underscores the importance of carefully balancing strategic partnerships while avoiding entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts.

 

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