As a result of the civil war in Yemen, and with the support of pro-Iranian forces, the Houthis defeated the government troops and established full control over the country, gaining control of key ports and resources. By imposing strict control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and introducing crippling transit fees, effectively blockading the Red Sea, they triggered a collapse of global trade routes.

Taking advantage of the chaos, possessing captured weapons, and continuing to receive modern technology from their allies, Yemen’s leadership decided to strike at its main adversary — the UAE.

After carrying out large-scale cyberattacks and acts of sabotage inside the Emirates, the Houthis disrupted the country’s defense system. This was followed by massive missile and drone strikes against border fortifications and airbases. Under cover of these attacks, assault groups disguised as civilian crews aboard cargo vessels landed at ports and near the key airfields of Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Fujairah. Thanks to the element of surprise and internal sabotage, they managed to seize these facilities, capturing a significant amount of operational UAE Air Force and Navy equipment, including a multi-role frigate. The captured equipment was quickly brought into service with the assistance of foreign specialists.

The UAE requested urgent assistance. The United States deployed a carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf.

Iran, finding itself caught in a diplomatic trap because of the actions of its former allies, took an unprecedented step. In order to protect its economy and avoid being drawn into the war, under international pressure it agreed to the temporary deployment of coalition air groups on its territory for a peace-enforcement operation. This allowed U.S. and allied aircraft to use the Iranian airfields at Jiroft and Bandar-e Jask as forward operating bases.