Yemeni Separatists Engage in Talks in Saudi Arabia After Losing Key Locations in the South

Yemeni Government Reaffirms Control Over Hadramout

The Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have completed the handover of all military locations in the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, recently recovered from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), supported by the United Arab Emirates. A delegation led by STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for a peace forum, signaling possible progress toward ending the conflict that has shaken Yemen and heightened tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Return to Normalcy in Mukalla

In recent days, STC forces have pulled back from the key eastern port city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, which was bombed by Saudi forces last week. Civilian life is beginning to return to normal, with shops reopening and traffic gradually resuming. Tensions in the country have escalated significantly since STC forces took control of Hadramout and al-Mahra in early December.

Calls for Dialogue

The Yemeni government has urged Saudi Arabia to facilitate discussions with the separatists, a proposal that the STC has welcomed, although details and timing of the talks remain unclear. According to an STC official, at least 80 STC fighters have been killed and another 152 wounded. Recent clashes have also occurred in Hadramout amid accusations that Saudi forces have bombed STC fighters.

Increasing Tensions Between Emirates and Saudi Arabia

The crisis in Yemen continues to affect relations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both part of a military coalition fighting against the Houthis. However, the STC's increasingly separatist stance and mutual accusations have intensified tensions between the two parties. Recently, Abu Dhabi announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, while Riyadh has called for a peace forum.