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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jon Gambrell

Saudi Arabia calls on Yemen separatists to leave 2 governorates as anti-Houthi coalition strains

Yemen Mideast Wars - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Saudi Arabia on Thursday formally called on Emirati-backed separatists in Yemen to withdraw from two governorates their forces now control in the country, a move that threatens sparking a confrontation within a fragile coalition battling the Houthi rebels.

The statement from Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry on Christmas morning appeared aimed at putting public pressure on the Southern Transitional Council, a force long backed by the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has backed other fighters within Yemen, including the National Shield Forces, in the war against the Iranian-backed Houthis the kingdom launched in 2015.

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