Pro-UAE forces detain journalist in Yemen

ADEN, Yemen (AA) - A journalist and his sibling have been held by pro-U.A.E. forces in Yemen's southern city of Lahij, according to the National Organization of Yemeni Journalists (SADA) Wednesday.

In a statement, SADA said journalist Radad es-Selami and his brother were taken into custody by a pro-UAE force called "Security Belt" a week ago, then brought to the 5th Brigade camp.

The reason for his detention remains unknown.

The statement called for an end to the systematic pressure tactics against the media.

Impoverished Yemen has remained wracked by violence since 2014, when Shia Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including capital Sanaa.

The conflict escalated in 2015 when Saudi Arabia and its Sunni-Arab allies -- who accuse the Houthis of serving as proxies for Shia Iran -- launched a massive air campaign in Yemen aimed at rolling back Houthi gains.

The following year, UN-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait failed to end the destructive conflict.

The ongoing violence has devastated Yemen’s infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, prompting the UN to describe the situation as “one of the worst humanitarian disasters of modern times”.

In addition, Yemeni government forces on Tuesday --backed by the Saudi-led coalition-- captured critical Al-Hudaydah airport after deadly clashes with Houthi rebels.

*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story in Ankara