Background on Key Players and the Conflict
Saudi Arabia has invited all factions from southern Yemen to participate in a dialogue in Riyadh with the aim of ending internal strife between southern separatists and other members of the government coalition. The recent advance by the separatist faction has shifted dynamics in this complex conflict, which pits the internationally recognized government against southern separatists and Houthi rebels backed by Iran.
Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has been embroiled in this conflict since 2014. The Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen from where they launch attacks against Israel or ships traversing the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), traditional allies though increasingly distant, support different factions within the Yemeni government but oppose both the Houthis and each other.
Saudi Arabia’s Initiative for Dialogue
In a statement posted on social media, the Saudi Foreign Ministry urged for a global conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss fair solutions for the south’s cause. Saudi Arabia claimed that it was the Yemeni government that issued the invitation for these talks.
On Friday, airstrikes by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia resulted in 20 fatalities, according to the separatists. This coalition was formed in 2015 with the goal of expelling Houthis from northern Yemen. However, following a decade-long brutal civil war, the Houthis remain entrenched in their territories while factions supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE clash in the south.
Key Actions and Timeline
- Saturday: Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue in Riyadh to resolve southern Yemen conflict.
- Friday: Coalition airstrikes led by Saudi Arabia result in 20 reported fatalities among southern separatists.
- Recent Advance: Southern separatist faction, backed by the UAE, announces a two-year transition towards establishing an autonomous southern state.
- 2014: Houthis take control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen.
- 2015: Coalition led by Saudi Arabia forms to expel Houthis from northern Yemen.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the conflict? The conflict involves the internationally recognized Yemeni government, southern separatists backed by the UAE, and Houthi rebels supported by Iran.
- What is the recent development? Southern separatists, supported by the UAE, announced a two-year transition towards creating an autonomous southern state.
- What is Saudi Arabia’s role? Saudi Arabia has called for a dialogue in Riyadh to bring all southern factions together and find fair solutions for the region’s issues.
- What are the coalition’s objectives? The coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, aims to expel Houthis from northern Yemen.
