The Iranian-backed Houthis seized Sanaa in September 2014 and forced the internationally recognized government into exile. Iran denies arming the rebels, although Iranian-manufactured weaponry has been found on the battlefield and in sea shipments heading to Yemen despite a U.N. arms embargo.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly fired on the eastern Hadramout province in Yemen. The strikes were allegedly against the Southern Transitional Council.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Saturday it “was time for the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen to listen to reason and prioritize public interest and unity of ranks and respond to the Saudi-Emirati mediation to end the escalation.

Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid Bin ‍Salman ‌on Saturday ⁠called on ‍Yemen's main southern separatist group, ‍the Southern

Pakistan has voiced full support for Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and stability in Yemen, urging unity, dialogue and an inclusive political solution to the crisis.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has urged the Southern Transitional Council of Yemen to heed mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The prince called for the STC to retract its troops from eastern provinces Hadramout and Mahra to de-escalate conflict.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- 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 United Arab Emirates welcomes Saudi Arabian efforts to support security and stability in Yemen and remains committed to backing stability in the country, the UAE’s foreign ministry said on Friday.