Saudi Arabia Urges Dialogue in Riyadh Amid Escalating Southern Yemen Tensions

• Saudi Arabia calls for urgent dialogue in Riyadh among rival factions to de-escalate tensions in southern Yemen.
• The move follows recent violence and a renewed push for secession by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
• STC seeks to declare independence, has seized territory, and announced a two-year transitional process for a breakaway state.
• Saudi-backed coalition airstrikes reportedly killed 20 separatists, highlighting internal clashes among allied groups.
• The Yemeni government issued the invitation for a "comprehensive conference" to find "just solutions to the southern cause."

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia intervenes diplomatically to address rising separatist tensions in southern Yemen.