Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry has called for Yemen's southern factions to attend a dialogue in Riyadh following a dramatic escalation in hostilities in the southern region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have historically supported Yemen's internationally recognized government during its ongoing civil war; however, recent events have led to a rift in their collaboration as they now back different factions on the ground.
One of these factions, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), is pushing for the declaration of a breakaway state. The STC has declared a war against Saudi-backed forces, accusing them of launching an attack supported by Saudi airstrikes.
On Friday, in response to the rising tensions, the Saudi ministry urged a comprehensive dialogue to address the southern factions' concerns. Following years of conflict that began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthis took control of much of northern Yemen, this recent escalation has put the fragile status of the country in jeopardy.
The calls for dialogue come amidst warnings from Saudi Arabia regarding the national security implications of STC advances, which have taken over oil-rich regions bordering its territory. Moreover, recent attacks, including airstrikes that killed seven people at an STC military camp, have further complicated the situation.
Despite UAE's denials of involvement, the situation has prompted the President of Yemen's Presidential Council to order the withdrawal of Emirati forces, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances.
As the humanitarian crisis in Yemen worsens, with over 19 million people in need of assistance, the calls for dialogue highlight the need for a resolution to the infighting that could lead to further instability in the region.
One of these factions, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), is pushing for the declaration of a breakaway state. The STC has declared a war against Saudi-backed forces, accusing them of launching an attack supported by Saudi airstrikes.
On Friday, in response to the rising tensions, the Saudi ministry urged a comprehensive dialogue to address the southern factions' concerns. Following years of conflict that began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthis took control of much of northern Yemen, this recent escalation has put the fragile status of the country in jeopardy.
The calls for dialogue come amidst warnings from Saudi Arabia regarding the national security implications of STC advances, which have taken over oil-rich regions bordering its territory. Moreover, recent attacks, including airstrikes that killed seven people at an STC military camp, have further complicated the situation.
Despite UAE's denials of involvement, the situation has prompted the President of Yemen's Presidential Council to order the withdrawal of Emirati forces, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances.
As the humanitarian crisis in Yemen worsens, with over 19 million people in need of assistance, the calls for dialogue highlight the need for a resolution to the infighting that could lead to further instability in the region.
