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Saudi Arabia urges Yemen southern factions to join Riyadh dialogue
Saudi Arabia has invited rival factions from southern Yemen to a conference in Riyadh, seeking to ease tensions after a sudden escalation exposed a rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Both Gulf states have backed Yemen's internationally recognized government but now support opposing groups on the ground.
Escalation triggers direct confrontation
On Friday, a force backed by the United Arab Emirates declared the start of a "war," accusing Saudi-backed troops and airstrikes of attacking its positions. The Saudi foreign ministry responded by calling for a "comprehensive conference" in Riyadh to address southern Yemen's future, stating the Yemeni government had extended the invitation.
Yemen's civil war and shifting alliances
Yemen's conflict began in 2014 when Iran-aligned Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition, including the UAE, to intervene in 2015. A fragile ceasefire has since reduced fighting with the Houthis, but internal divisions within the anti-Houthi alliance have deepened.
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), part of the Saudi-backed coalition, has taken control of most of southern Yemen. On December 2, the STC launched an offensive in eastern Yemen, capturing territory, including the oil-rich Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia.
Accusations and military strikes
The STC justified its offensive as necessary to "restore stability," but Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) condemned it as a "rebellion" threatening to destabilize the region. Tensions escalated further after Saudi airstrikes hit an STC military camp in Hadramawt on Friday, killing seven.
Earlier in the week, Saudi-led forces struck the southern port of Mukalla, alleging the UAE had delivered military equipment to the STC. The UAE denied the claims, stating the shipment contained non-lethal supplies for its forces in Yemen.
"The UAE has not had a significant troop presence in Yemen since 2019. It relies on proxies and special forces,"
Farea al-Muslimi, Chatham House researcher
Gulf powers clash over Yemen strategy
Yemen's Presidential Council canceled its defense treaty with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to leave within 24 hours. Saudi Arabia supported the move, accusing the UAE of pressuring the STC to launch the offensive, which now threatens Saudi borders. The UAE agreed to withdraw but denied instigating the STC's campaign.
Analysts say the UAE's support for the STC aims to secure access to key ports and counter an Islamist party within Yemen's government. However, its withdrawal may not weaken the STC's position.
Southern independence ambitions persist
The STC, led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has long sought independence for southern Yemen. An STC spokesperson told the BBC their goal remains unchanged, framing it as a right for the southern people.
"Our intentions have always been clear: to establish an independent state. We won't be a source of terrorism threatening Saudi Arabia,"
Anwar al-Tamimi, STC spokesperson
Saudi Arabia, however, views the STC's push as a direct threat to its national security, given its 1,500 km border with Yemen.
Humanitarian crisis deepens amid uncertainty
Yemen's years-long conflict has left 40 million people facing severe hunger, with the UN estimating 377,000 deaths by 2021, including 259,000 children under five. Civilians in contested areas like Hadramawt are preparing for further violence.
"Most people can't leave. We're stockpiling flour and rice and following the news closely,"
Mohamed, resident of Mukalla
Experts warn the Saudi-UAE rivalry could destabilize the region further, comparing it to a direct conflict between major European powers.
