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

ADEN, Yemen (AP) — Thousands of Yemenis gathered Saturday in the southern city of Aden in a show of support for a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates, a day after the group dissolved itself, following heightened tensions and armed clashes with forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

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