Yemen's South Plans Independence Vote After Seizing Territory

Yemen's southern separatists say they will hold an independence referendum within two years. The announcement comes after they seized large areas last month. The move has caused a major dispute between Gulf powers. The separatists are backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They are fighting a Saudi-backed government for control. The Southern Transitional Council (STC) leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, called for international talks. He wants negotiations between north and south Yemen. The goal would be to create a process that guarantees southern rights. The political crisis escalated as seven people were killed in new strikes. Saudi warplanes attacked STC forces in southern Yemen. The Saudi-backed government is trying to recapture a key region.