Tensions in Yemen lead to state of emergency following Saudi-led airstrike

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Tensions in Yemen lead to state of emergency following Saudi-led airstrike

2025-12-31 14:11 Last Updated At：17:57

Tensions in Yemen escalated on Tuesday as a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted the port of Mukalla in the southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout.

The strike reportedly triggered a large explosion and fire in the port area, according to a Yemeni security official. Initial reports did not detail casualties or damage.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the coalition claimed the operation was a limited military action.

Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said that two vessels from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) entered Mukalla Port without authorization on December 27-28, with their tracking systems turned off. He alleged the ships unloaded weapons and military vehicles destined for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a political and military group that advocates self-determination and the eventual independence of South Yemen.

The action was taken at the request of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to protect civilians, said the coalition spokesman.

In response to the developments, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Yemeni PLC, declared a 90-day nationwide state of emergency, extendable if necessary. He simultaneously imposed a 72-hour air, land, and sea blockade on all Yemeni ports and border crossings.

Al-Alimi also canceled a security pact with the UAE after the UAE-backed STC seized swathes of territory in Yemen's provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah. He ordered the withdrawal of the forces from both provinces within 24 hours.

The UAE said its Defense Ministry had decided to end the deployment of its remaining counter-terrorism personnel in Yemen due to recent developments and operational considerations.

Despite the announcement of the emergency measures from Riyadh, life appeared normal in the southern port city of Aden, a major STC stronghold, according to a reporter from China Media Group.

Thailand to continue talks with Cambodia after trilateral meeting in China

Senior Thai diplomats stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and restoring peace with Cambodia at a press conference Tuesday in Bangkok, following a trilateral meeting hosted by China.

The meeting, held Monday in China's southwestern Yunnan Province, followed a ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. The trilateral meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi serving as host.

Speaking to reporters, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that Thai-Cambodian relations must develop at a pace that makes both sides comfortable.

"They cannot force the pace. We have to go at the pace that is comfortable to both countries and in the end it is about two countries sorting things out bilaterally," said Sihasak.

The meeting came at a crucial time as both countries observe the first 72 hours of the uneasy ceasefire. Thailand underlined its appreciation for China's neutral role in hosting the meeting, and acknowledged China's continued support, including monitoring the ceasefire and providing humanitarian demining assistance if needed.

"We think at the current moment we can manage to deal with the situation bilaterally. Should the need arise Thailand and Cambodia should consult each other first and then ask. China says it is ready to provide assistance, if needed," said Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Thai government also confirmed on Wednesday the repatriation of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers in line with a previously signed joint statement. The move is seen as an important step toward easing border tensions and fostering renewed dialogue between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.