DUBAI, Jan 2 - Yemen's Saudi-backed government launched what it called a peaceful operation to take back military positions from the UAE-backed southern separatists on Friday, who in turn said seven Saudi airstrikes had taken place since the declaration.  Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

DUBAI, Jan 2 - Yemen's Saudi-backed government launched what it called a peaceful operation to take back military positions from the UAE-backed southern separatists on Friday, who in turn said seven Saudi airstrikes had taken place since the declaration.  Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Yemen, engulfed in a civil war for more than a decade, has the Iran-aided Houthis controlling much of the northern regions, while a Saudi-UAE-backed coalition supports the internationally recognized government in the south.

Saudi-led coalition warns UAE-backed separatists of immediate action to protect civilians and uphold de-escalation in Yemen.

Saudi-led coalition warns UAE-backed separatists of immediate action to protect civilians and uphold de-escalation in Yemen.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen warned Saturday it would immediately respond to any military movements of separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates that undermine de-escalation efforts in the southern region of Yemen, as the United States urged diplomacy. “Any military movements that violate these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately in order to protect civilian lives and ensure the success of restoring calm," said Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, a coalition spokesman, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Al-Maliki also accused the Southern Transitional Council, or STC, separatists of “serious and horrific human rights violations against civilians,” without providing evidence.