Saudi Arabia Invites Yemeni Factions to Dialogue Amid Escalating Conflict

Sun Jan 04 2026 12:27:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the conflict in Yemen intensifies between Southern factions, Saudi Arabia calls for a reconciliation dialogue in Riyadh, aiming to address the deepening rift exacerbated by external interventions from regional powers.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry has extended an invitation to various Yemeni southern factions for a dialogue in Riyadh following increasing tensions between Saudi-backed forces and UAE-backed separatists. The escalation comes as the Southern Transitional Council positions itself for independence amidst a fractured coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry has called for Yemen's southern factions to attend a 'dialogue' in Riyadh after a dramatic turn of events saw Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates engage in unprecedented direct confrontation. The Gulf powers have intervened in Yemen's ongoing civil war to support the internationally recognized government, yet a fracturing alliance has caused them to back rival groups in the region.

One of these factions is now seeking to declare independence from Yemen, igniting tensions. On Friday, forces backed by the UAE declared a 'war' after accusing Saudi-backed troops of launching assaults supported by Saudi air strikes.

The Saudi ministry urged a 'comprehensive conference' to reconcile the southern factions, asserting that Yemen's government had issued the invite for talks. The ongoing civil war, which began in 2014, has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian issues, with millions facing hunger crises.

The conflict escalated recently when the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced military operations in eastern Yemen, leading to an ambivalent situation regarding the previously established coalition of anti-Houthi factions. The STC's large-scale offensive included taking control of key areas like the oil-rich Hadramawt province, raising alarms in Saudi Arabia.

Compounding issues, Saudi airstrikes on STC positions have resulted in casualties and further inflamed hostilities. Accusations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding military operations illustrate the fragile nature of alliances in the region, with accusations of the UAE supplying arms to separatists namely the STC.

As both countries navigate their complex relationship within the larger conflict, the prospects for peace dialogue remain precarious at best. The UAE's motivations in southern Yemen primarily revolve around ensuring access to strategic ports and removing opposing Islamist factions from power.

Despite calls for peace, the discord continues to impact civilians, with many contemplating flight from strife-ridden areas. Yemen's continued suffering underscores the dire humanitarian call, with countless families bearing the brunt of a conflict that has reshaped the landscape of the region.