United Arab Emirates responsible for Aden 'coup': Yemen
Yemeni Foreign Ministry called on the UAE to immediately stop supporting 'rebel groups'
The Yemeni government on Thursday held the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and southern separatists responsible for staging a "coup" on legitimacy in the interim capital Aden.
In a statement, the Yemeni Foreign Ministry called on the UAE to immediately stop supporting the "rebel groups", in reference to Security Belt forces loyal to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
The ministry asserted that the Saudi-led coalition -- of which the UAE is a member -- intervened in Yemen after President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi requested Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to protect legitimacy.
The request is based on international law and the UN Charter to protect Yemen from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group, said the ministry.
Following four days of fierce battles with the legitimate government forces, Security Belt forces now control most state institutions, including Maasheeq presidential palace in the temporary capital of Aden.
Meanwhile, STC is holding a mass rally in Aden on Thursday to demonstrate its popular support following its recent military gains that came with the ultimate aim of overthrowing President Hadi who currently resides in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Yemen has remained wracked by violence since 2014, when Shia Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including capital Sanaa.
The conflict escalated the following year when Saudi Arabia and its Sunni-Arab allies launched a massive air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi gains in Yemen and supporting the country’s pro-Saudi government.
