Saudi Arabia Thanks Mukalla Port Director for His Heroic Service
In the complex and often turbulent landscape of regional security, moments of individual bravery and steadfast duty shine through. This week, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman formally acknowledged one such example, receiving Salem Basamir, the Director of the Port of Mukalla, in Riyadh.
The minister’s public thanks, shared on social media platform X, highlighted Basamir’s “heroic and humanitarian role” in a critical moment. His actions were pivotal in ensuring the safety of lives and protecting vital property at the strategic Port of Mukalla in Yemen’s Hadramaut governorate.
This recognition follows a period of heightened tension at the port in December. The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen conducted a limited airstrike, targeting what it identified as unauthorized military activity. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki stated that two ships, arriving from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, had entered the port without official coalition permits.
According to the coalition’s statement, the crews disabled their tracking systems and proceeded to unload a significant cache of weapons and combat vehicles. This shipment was intended to support forces in the eastern Yemeni governorates, an act described as a direct violation of the ongoing truce, the pursuit of a peaceful solution, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
Amidst this fraught situation, the role of Port Director Basamir became exceptionally crucial. Port authorities are the guardians of maritime law and safety protocols, and their decisions directly impact regional stability. By upholding his duty under such pressure, Basamir helped navigate the port away from further escalation and toward the restoration of calm that has since been reported in the area.
The meeting in Riyadh transcends a simple thank you. It underscores a vital principle: that security and peace are built not only through broad policies but also on the foundation of individual responsibility and courage. Director Basamir’s commitment to his post—prioritizing humanitarian concern and procedural integrity during a potential crisis—embodies the kind of local leadership essential for lasting stability.
As calm returns to the port, this gesture from the Saudi Defense Minister serves as a powerful testament to the value of those who stand firm in their duties. It is a reminder that in the intricate work of conflict resolution and regional security, every act of principled stewardship, especially in key logistical hubs like Mukalla, contributes significantly to the broader goal of safety and peace for all people in the region.
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