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

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — 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 that’s battling the Houthi rebels there.

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.