Saudi-backed forces advance in Yemen's Hadramawt, officials say

Officials said Saudi-backed forces took control of the main military base in Mukalla and the airport in Seiyun after recent strikes; Saudi Arabia and the UAE called for dialogue.

Saudi-backed troops are reported to have advanced in Yemen's Hadramawt province, military officials said. Two Saudi-aligned military officials told AFP they had taken control of the principal military base in Mukalla. A government official said pro-Saudi forces had also taken the airport and some administrative buildings in Seiyun. These moves followed recent strikes and clashes between forces backed by Saudi Arabia and those backed by the United Arab Emirates. Reported developments: - Officials reported Saudi-backed forces took control of the principal military base in Mukalla. - A government official said pro-Saudi forces had taken Seiyun airport and administrative buildings, while a Southern Transitional Council (STC) official said its forces had retreated in some areas and were resisting. - Saudi Arabia and the UAE publicly called for dialogue; Saudi Arabia invited southern factions to a conference in Riyadh, and the STC announced a two-year transitional period toward a possible independent state that it said would include dialogue and a referendum. Summary: The reported advances change control of key sites in Hadramawt and follow exchanges of strikes between Saudi- and UAE-aligned forces. Regional calls for talks have been issued, and the STC has announced a transitional process that it says will include dialogue and a referendum.