Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on vessels in Yemen's Mukalla port, alleging they carried unauthorized weapons for UAE-backed separatists, a move that escalated tensions with the UAE. Saudi officials stated the ships from Fujairah posed a national security threat. In response, Yemen's government suspended a defense pact with the UAE and demanded Emirati troops withdraw. The UAE rejected the accusations, asserting the cargo was for its own forces, and announced a troop withdrawal from Yemen.