Yemeni politicians meet in Riyadh after southern council dissolved

Yemeni politicians held their first public meeting in Riyadh since the Southern Transitional Council was dissolved; they discussed the future of southern Yemen ahead of a Saudi-sponsored conference with dates not yet announced.

Yemeni politicians met in Riyadh in their first public gathering since a southern separatist council backed by the UAE was dissolved after weeks of clashes. The meeting focused on the future of southern Yemen and came ahead of a Saudi-sponsored conference whose dates have not been announced. The southern question is one element of Yemen’s wider civil war, which began in 2014 when Houthi forces seized Sanaa and the internationally recognized government left the capital. Participants said the meeting expressed a unified southern will and reported receiving assurances from Saudi officials about pay and support for allied forces. Key developments: - The gathering was the first public meeting since the Southern Transitional Council (STC) leadership dissolved the council earlier this month. - Participants said Saudi officials gave direct assurances that forces allied with the STC will receive salaries and support to enhance their capabilities. - Government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have regained control of Hadramout and Mahra provinces after recent clashes. - Aidarous al-Zubaidi reportedly did not attend in person and sent a delegation; Saudi officials have accused the UAE of moving him to Abu Dhabi. Summary: The meeting signals an effort by southern leaders to present unity and to discuss political arrangements ahead of a Saudi-hosted conference. The timing and dates of that conference are undetermined at this time.