Saudi warplanes struck southern separatist positions in Yemen’s port city of Mukalla and surrounding areas as Saudi-backed forces moved to retake the city.

The airstrikes targeted the Barshid Brigade camp in Hadramout, one of two governorates recently seized by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The STC had declared a constitution for an independent South Yemen and advanced into oil-rich regions, prompting Saudi intervention.

The strikes killed and injured dozens, amid clashes between National Shield forces and southern separatists, highlighting growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, ABC News has reported.

Saudi Arabia announced plans for a Riyadh conference to bring together southern factions and seek solutions to the southern conflict.