January 6, 2026 – Yemen – The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has agreed to send a delegation to Saudi Arabia for peace talks, following the loss of control over key southern governorates to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

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Government Retakes Hadramout and Al-Mahra

• Saudi-backed Homeland Shield forces regained all military and security positions in Hadramout and al-Mahra after clashes with the STC.
• The city of Mukalla, a major eastern port and Hadramout’s capital, was handed over peacefully, with civilians returning to shops and traffic resuming.
• Yemeni government officials emphasized that the military operations were meant to reclaim sites systematically, not as a declaration of war.

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STC Losses and Response

• The STC reportedly lost 80 fighters killed, 152 wounded, and 130 captured.
• Intense Saudi air raids targeted STC positions near Mukalla and Barshid.
• Ahead of the talks, the STC announced plans for a two-year transitional period toward declaring an independent southern state, warning that independence could be declared if dialogue fails or attacks continue.

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Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia

• The Yemeni government requested Saudi-hosted talks with the STC to reduce tensions.
• The timing and agenda of the forum are not yet clear, but the move signals a possible step toward resolving the conflict between the Yemeni government and southern separatists.

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Regional Implications

• Tensions persist within the Saudi-UAE coalition, with the UAE announcing the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen.
• The conflict has strained relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, as the STC’s separatist ambitions clash with the coalition’s objectives.
• The ongoing instability also complicates the broader fight against the Houthi movement, which still controls parts of northern Yemen, including Sanaa.

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Key Takeaways:

• Saudi-backed forces have regained control of southern Yemen, paving the way for diplomatic engagement.
• The STC’s participation in talks is a potentially crucial step toward peace and de-escalation.
• Regional rivalries and the UAE’s withdrawal may reshape Yemen’s southern power dynamics.