Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a Saudi military official and coalition spokesman, stated that the arms were destined for the Southern Transitional Council (S.T.C.), an Emirati-backed separatist group that has gained control of territory in southern Yemen in recent weeks. The Emirati Foreign Ministry denied that the shipment contained any arms.

The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government since the country fractured into warring factions following the outbreak of civil war in 2014. The conflict has created a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with various groups vying for control. The U.A.E. has been a key partner in the Saudi-led coalition, but its support for the S.T.C. has created friction with the Yemeni government, which views the separatists as a threat to its sovereignty.

The U.A.E.'s decision to withdraw its troops further complicates the situation. While the U.A.E. has not given a specific reason for the withdrawal, it comes amid growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the lack of progress in resolving the conflict.

The State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, about the escalating tensions in Yemen. The U.S. has called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue.

The incident highlights the deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., two powerful Gulf states that have traditionally been close allies. The diverging interests in Yemen could have significant implications for the future of the conflict and the stability of the region. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation is high.