Saudi Arabia Urges Yemen Talks Amidst Rising Tensions with UAE-Backed Factions

• Saudi Arabia calls for a comprehensive conference in Riyadh for Yemen's southern factions to find "just solutions" and prevent escalation.
• Clashes continue between Saudi-backed forces and UAE-backed separatists, despite UAE announcing full withdrawal of its forces and cessation of all support from Yemen.
• The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced a two-year "transitional period" for an independence referendum, having seized Hadramout and another province.
• Saudi Arabia previously alleged UAE was directing separatists to undermine its security, which the UAE denied.
• The conference aims to create conditions conducive to stability in Yemen, following a request from H.E. Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia seeks dialogue among Yemeni factions to de-escalate conflict amidst UAE's withdrawal and separatist moves.