Saudi Jets Kill Allies in Yemen's Southern Conflict

Saudi Arabian warplanes struck their own allies in Yemen on Friday, killing seven fighters. The attack targets a major advance by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed separatist group. The Saudi-led coalition bombed forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC is a secessionist movement that has seized large areas of two provinces last month. This is the first time coalition fire has caused deaths during this new offensive. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are both leading members of the military coalition in Yemen. However, they support rival factions within the country's recognized government. The STC's recent advance now threatens to create a major new front in the long-running war. The conflict in Yemen began in 2014. It pits the internationally recognized government, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, against Houthi rebels. Fighting between nominal allies within the coalition's side adds a complex layer to the war.