The coalition requests the evacuation of the port of Mukalla in preparation for a military operation
In a significant development on the ground indicating the imminent launch of a new phase of military operations in Yemen, the Arab Coalition forces issued an urgent request to evacuate the Yemeni port of Mukalla of all commercial and civilian vessels. This warning comes as a preemptive step in preparation for a large-scale military operation aimed at securing the coastal city and clearing it of armed elements that pose a threat to security and stability in Hadramawt Governorate.
Context of the military operation and its objectives
Field sources indicate that the coalition's request to evacuate the port stems from its concern for the safety of civilians and commercial vessels, and its desire to spare them any collateral damage that might result from the anticipated military operations. These moves primarily aim to regain full control of vital facilities in the city and sever supply lines that outlaw groups might use to smuggle weapons or finance their illicit activities by sea.
This step is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the coalition forces and the legitimate Yemeni government to extend state control over all ports and maritime outlets, to ensure that they are not exploited to threaten international navigation in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The strategic importance of the port of Mukalla
The port of Mukalla holds immense strategic and economic importance, serving as the main seaport for Hadramawt Governorate, the largest governorate in Yemen. Its location on the Arabian Sea makes it a vital artery for trade and the flow of food and fuel to eastern Yemen. Given its sensitive location, maintaining control of the port under the authority of the state and its official institutions is crucial for Yemeni and regional national security.
Historically, the city of Mukalla has suffered from periods of instability, which extremist groups have exploited to seize control of the city and its resources, turning the port into a source of illicit revenue for these organizations. Therefore, the potential military operation has dimensions that extend beyond direct military action, encompassing cutting off sources of terrorist financing and securing shipping lanes.
Expected impacts locally and regionally
Securing the port of Mukalla completely is expected to improve the province's economic situation, enabling the government to manage customs and tax revenues systematically, which will positively impact public services. Regionally, these moves send a reassuring message to the international community about the coalition's commitment to securing waterways and combating any threats to global trade in this vital region.
These developments confirm the Arab coalition’s commitment to supporting legitimacy in Yemen, not only on traditional battlefronts, but also in securing vital infrastructure that is a key pillar for the reconstruction of Yemen and its economic recovery in the near future.
