Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia's military struck United Arab Emirates-backed separatists in Yemen on Friday, prompting an unofficial declaration of "war" from the Southern Transitional Council.

The powerful Gulf allies back rival sides in an escalating conflict which threatens to divide Yemen.

Saudi warplanes have reportedly struck on Friday forces in southern Yemen backed by the United Arab Emirates, a separatist leader says. This comes as a Saudi-led operation attempts to take over camps of the Southern Transitional Council, or STC, in the governorate of Haramout that borders Saudi Arabia. Tensions between…

Seven separatist fighters killed in Yemen as Saudi coalition strikes escalate tensions between rival factions in the region.

Seven separatist fighters killed in Yemen as Saudi coalition strikes escalate tensions between rival factions in the region.

7 separatist fighters said killed; UAE says it seeks de-escalation as Riyadh, Abu Dhabi jostle for power in government-run areas after forming coalition against Iran-backed Houthis