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

The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government since the country descended into civil war in 2014, when the nation splintered into various factions. The conflict has created a complex geopolitical landscape, with multiple actors vying for power and influence. The U.A.E. has been a key partner in the coalition, but its support for the S.T.C. has created friction with the Saudi-backed government.

The escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., both key U.S. allies, prompted a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, according to a State Department spokesman. The conversation focused on the ongoing tensions in Yemen.

The withdrawal of Emirati troops and the Saudi airstrike represent a significant shift in the dynamics of the Yemeni conflict. The U.A.E.'s decision to pull out its forces suggests a change in its strategic priorities in the region. The Saudi airstrike signals a willingness to confront the Emirati-backed S.T.C., potentially escalating the conflict further. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of these developments are yet to be seen.