Saudi Arabia supports call for dialogue to resolve southern Yemen crisis

International Desk: PNN

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a proposal to hold a political dialogue in Riyadh aimed at resolving recent violence and internal divisions in southern Yemen. The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) initiated the effort, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry invited various political and social factions from southern Yemen to participate in the forum. The statement emphasized that a coordinated approach is essential for a just and sustainable resolution to the southern Yemen crisis.

Earlier, PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi called on different groups and influential leaders in southern Yemen to unite. He said that any unilateral or exclusionary resolution ignoring southern Yemen’s demands and realities would not be sustainable.

Recently, tensions in southern Yemen have escalated significantly. The separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched major military operations in Hadhramaut and Al Mahrah provinces, spreading conflict further. These provinces cover nearly half of Yemen’s territory, with oil-rich Hadhramaut bordering Saudi Arabia, making the situation strategically important for Riyadh.

Though STC is part of the anti-Houthi coalition, it is accused of aspiring to establish an independent southern Yemeni state. This has intensified conflict between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and STC.

Saudi Arabia alleges that its ally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is militarily supporting the STC, which risks further fragmenting Yemen and threatens Saudi security. The UAE denies the allegations, stating it continues to fully support Saudi Arabia’s security.

On Saturday, the UAE expressed deep concern over ongoing violence and urged all parties in Yemen to exercise restraint and prudence.

Meanwhile, STC claimed that at least 20 people were killed in Saudi-led airstrikes. On the same day, the UAE announced that it would withdraw all military personnel from Yemen, stating that the counterterrorism phase had concluded.

After the UAE announcement, STC unilaterally declared plans to hold a referendum on northern Yemen’s independence within two years. Former Yemeni diplomat Ali Ahmed Al-Amrani criticized the move as outside national consensus.

Experts warn that unless southern Yemen’s current violence is resolved, it could mark the start of a more dangerous phase of war. Hisham Al-Omeisi from the European Institute of Peace cautioned that the conflict could extend beyond Yemen, impacting regional politics.