SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Yemeni officials and witnesses say separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates have clashed with forces loyal to the internationally backed government around the presidential palace in the southern city of Aden.
They say the clashes Wednesday come amid calls by Hani Bin Braik, deputy head of the so-called Southern Transitional Council, to “topple down” the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. They say at least two civilians were wounded.
The officials demanded anonymity because they weren’t authorized to brief the media, while the witnesses for fear of reprisal.
The clashes come a week after a Houthi missile attack killed a top UAE-backed militia commander, whose supporters were rallying in Aden to bury his body.
The UAE is a member of a Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis since 2015.