
On Wednesday, Saudi-led coalition troops launched an assault on Yemen's main port city of Hodeidah, in the biggest battle of a three-year war between an alliance of Arab states and the Iran-aligned Houthis.
Green Berets are even reportedly helping Saudi Arabia locate and destroy Iranian-backed Houthi ballistic missiles and launch sites in the war-torn country.
The UAE foreign ministry and government communication office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
UAE-backed Yemeni forces - drawn from southern separatists, local units from the Red Sea costal plain and a battalion led by a nephew of late former President Alo Abdullah Saleh - are fighting alongside Emirati and Sudanese troops.
The conflict escalated dramatically in March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states - backed by the US, UK, and France - began air strikes against the Houthis, with the declared aim of restoring Mr Hadi's government.
For a little more than three years, Yemen has been locked in a seemingly intractable civil war that has killed almost 10,000 people and pushed millions to the brink of starvation.
Neither the coalition nor the rebels have confirmed the death of the leader's brother, the Saudi Khabar Ajil media said. Yemen is heavily dependent on imported food, fuel and medicine that come through Hodeidah port.
The city and surrounding area are home to 600,000 people, and the port is the main route for food and aid to reach most Yemenis, of which 8.4 million fee pre-famine conditions. The United Nations in January shipped in mobile cranes to help unload ships there.
More news: Brexit: House of Lords EU Withdrawal Bill amendment voted down by MPsUnited Nations chief Antonio Guterres had said that Mr Griffiths was in "intense negotiations" in an attempt to avoid a military confrontation. However, Griffiths' recent appointment as envoy and his push for new negotiations may have encouraged the Saudi-led coalition to strengthen its hand ahead of any peace talks with the Houthis.
Both the United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross has called on all sides in Yemen's war to protect civilians following the latest air and ground assault.
The U.N.'s humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande, warned that a prolonged siege of the port could lead to the deaths of up to a quarter-million Yemenis due to starvation and disease.
In Geneva, ICRC spokeswoman Marie-Claire Feghali said that the assault was "likely to exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen", where water and electricity networks are vital to the civilian population's survival.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday acknowledged the USA continues to provide support to the Saudi-led coalition.
But once it became clear the Emirates would not hold back its allied Yemeni forces, American officials said they were focused instead on trying to ensure the operation did not damage key infrastructure such as the port as well as to ensure civilian sites did not become targets.
The Houthis deny they are Iranian pawns and say their revolt is against corruption and defending Yemen from invaders. Saudi Arabia says Iran is backing the Houthis with weapons and logistical support - a charge Iran denies. The accusations are denied by the group and Iran.
Speaking to reporters this week, Mattis said that US support would continue at its current levels, and suggested USA aerial refueling, which lengthens flight times, increased the accuracy of Saudi and UAE bombing raids and so cut down on civilian casualties.
Colorado primary races are two weeks away
While the state's Senate race will be a marquee event in November, the general election matchup is pretty much decided. André Jacque of De Pere faces Democrat Caleb Frostman , the former head of the Door County Economic Development Corp.
Mohamed Salah joins Egypt training session
The 25-year-old Salah has not played since injuring his left shoulder in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid last month.
N.Korea summit to be held as planned
President Donald Trump said Thursday the talks were going well and that North Korean officials may come to Washington on Friday. Trump indicated that the campaign of "maximum pressure" was at least on hold, vowing no new sanctions while talks are ongoing.
U.S., Canada and Mexico to Host World Cup in 2026
Morocco , which has now lost five bid campaigns, was classy in defeat - congratulating the North American winners. Toronto, along with Montreal and Edmonton, could host three or four games in the tournament's knockout round.
Are Justin Trudeau's Eyebrows Fake? Strange Pictures Prompt Conspiracy Theories
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting at the G-7 summit. The summit was seen as an opportunity to overcome disagreements on new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on imports.
Why Meghan Markle stood behind Kate Middleton for her balcony debut But it seems as though Prince Harry's alleged role as Meghan Markle's new stylist have done her little, if any, good. In another unprecedented series of events, a member of the royal family has been submitted for Emmy consideration.
I am more concerned about developing state's fitness: HD Kumaraswamy to PM
The prime is seen walking, stretching and doing breathing exercise on a Panchtatvas track in his garden. The #FitnessChallenge was started by Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on May 22.
United Nations urges patience, global support to implement Trump-Kim agreement
He said Trump called him to say that he was proud of him. "He is willing to offer his support for his friends, President Trump and Marshal Kim Jong Un ", Prince said.
Toronto Raptors hiring Nick Nurse as next coach
Toronto fired Dwane Casey on May 11 after the team was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinal. He is the franchise's all-time leader in wins, winning percentage, games coached and playoff games coached (51).
USA, Canada and Mexico to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
Just to add to the complexity, there is a third option for voters: neither Morocco or United and we start a new bidding process. What time is the World Cup on and where can I watch it in Hong Kong? " Thank you so, so very much for this incredible honor ".
Some lava evacuees may return to homes during 'stable' flow
Scientists warn against venturing too close to lava hitting water, saying it could expose people to dangers from flying debris. There was "not a lot of change" to the lava flow, said Janet Babb, a geologist with the USGS' Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Virus contained, no need to run anywhere, says health minister
She also said in the release that the seven people who were admitted at the medical college on Friday are not infected with the virus.
Toddler wandering dangerously close to highway rescued by quick-thinking cop
Anthony Mannino was on patrol when he saw the child running on the side of Route 59, so he used his patrol auto to block traffic. Mannino alerted dispatch that he caught the boy and would begin the search for his parents, according to the Naperville Sun .
South Korea Blindsided By Trump War Games Agreement Kim arrived in the city with a bullet-proof limousine and a portable toilet in tow, according to South Korean newspaper Chosun. There are also annual springtime drills. -South Korea alliance is the US troops stationed in South Korea and the joint U.S.
Fortnite is out today for Nintendo Switch
However, counsellor Steve Pope, who is treating the girl, warned it could be a "gateway" into further addictions in later life. Teachers have been urging parents to keep their children away from video game Fornite because it is damaging their education.