Ansarullah have not claimed reasonability for the daring operation, which was described as an "extremely dangerous escalation amid rising regional tensions" by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council's ambassador to London, Yassin Noman. However, it is likely a Tihamah regional tribe, loyal to Ansarullah, may have carried out the operation against the YNR.
The island was captured in 2015 by the UAE-backed Tihamah Brigades (who now make up part of the Saudi-backed Yemeni National Resistance, YNR, forces). Since 2021, with the help of the YNR, the UAE has begun constructing military bases and assets on the island, which have not only been objected against by the Ansarullah government in Sana'a but also the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council in Marib.
UAE's military facilities on the island:
Airstrip one, completed:
12.6614, 43.42777.Airstrip two, under construction:
12.66453, 43.41013.Military base:
12.66136, 43.40614. Proposed site for a naval base:
12.64344, 43.40951.Map key:
Yellow: Mayyun Island, controlled by the YNR, loyal to the Presidential Leadership Council,
Blue: Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council,
Red: Yemen's Ansarullah.