Emirati cargo ship arrives in Mukalla carrying arms for STC forces in eastern Yemen

HAHRAMOUT, Dec. 29 (YPA) – A new Emirati cargo ship reportedly arrived at the port of Mukalla in Yemen’s Hadramawt province early Sunday, amid indications it is carrying military and logistical equipment, raising concerns over the ongoing movements in the area, Maritime and press sources reported

Data from international ship-tracking websites showed that the vessel, named Greenland and operated by the Emirati company Salem Al-Marqani Shipping, docked at approximately 4:00 a.m. following an eight-day voyage from ports in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Journalist and tracking specialist Mohammed Basha said this class of cargo ship is usually designed to carry large numbers of vehicles and heavy machinery — more than 100 wheeled vehicles or pieces of equipment — bolstering speculation that the voyage serves a major logistical purpose.

These developments coincide with reports from informed local sources that the vessel is carrying shipments of weapons and military equipment destined for forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

It is the second such ship to arrive at the port within 48 hours of another vessel that remains docked, underscoring a rapid tempo of loading and unloading operations.

Analysts link the stepped-up military reinforcements to what appears to be an Emirati effort to counter expected Saudi moves in Hadramout and Mahra, particularly after Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman issued a firm message urging the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council STC to withdraw from the two provinces and hand them over to the newly formed, Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces.

The ships’ arrival seems intended to solidify a new military status quo that preserves the presence of forces loyal to Abu Dhabi in the east — a move that is escalating tensions and could soon trigger a confrontation between former partners over dominance in the country’s largest provinces.

@E.Y.M