Saudi-backed forces have retaken Yemen's port city of Mukalla from southern separatists. The capital of Hadramout province was reclaimed by Yemen’s internationally recognized government after Saudi airstrikes.

Comments come amid widening differences between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, once close partners.

The delegation of STC is expected in Saudi Arabia to meet the Saudi leadership as Riyadh moves to organise dialogue on southern Yemen’s future.

Yemen is threatening to fracture even further, exposing a growing rift between Middle East powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, says Homeland Shield forces had achieved ‘record success’.