Ankara, Türkiye – On January 3, 2026, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing strong support for Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and its efforts to restore stability, while welcoming a proposed comprehensive conference in Riyadh to address the ongoing crisis in the country's southern provinces. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in Yemen, where recent military escalations between Saudi-backed government forces and UAE-supported southern separatists have raised fears of further fragmentation in the war-torn nation.
The ministry declared: "We are following with concern the recent developments in the southern provinces of the Republic of Yemen, which threaten the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security of neighboring countries." It added that Türkiye "attaches importance to the efforts of the Presidential Leadership Council to restore stability in the country" and "welcomes the call for a comprehensive conference in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh." The statement reiterated Türkiye's longstanding position, emphasizing support for "efforts aimed at achieving a lasting political solution in Yemen based on constitutional legitimacy."
This diplomatic intervention aligns with Türkiye's broader regional policy, which has consistently advocated for Yemen's unity and territorial integrity since the civil war erupted in 2014. Ankara has provided humanitarian aid and diplomatic backing to the PLC, viewing a stable, unified Yemen as essential for Red Sea security and countering Iranian influence through the Houthi rebels.
The backdrop to Türkiye's statement is a rapid escalation in Yemen's south. In early December 2025, forces aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates—launched an offensive, seizing control of vast territories in Hadramaut and Al Mahra provinces, which border Saudi Arabia and contain significant oil resources. These provinces represent nearly half of Yemen's landmass. The STC's moves included taking key sites like the Al-Uqlah oil field and parts of the coastal city of Mukalla.
On January 2, 2026, Saudi-backed forces, under the PLC's National Shield units, launched a counteroffensive supported by Saudi airstrikes targeting STC positions in Hadramaut. Reports indicate casualties on both sides, with Saudi warplanes striking STC camps in areas like Sayoun. The PLC announced on January 3 that its forces had retaken control of Mukalla and other key positions, describing the operation as a "record success."
The STC, led by Aidrous al-Zubaidi, responded by announcing a two-year "transitional phase" culminating in a referendum on southern independence, effectively signaling intent to restore the pre-1990 South Yemen state. This has deepened a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, former close allies in the anti-Houthi coalition formed in 2015. Riyadh has accused Abu Dhabi of arming and encouraging the STC's advances, viewing them as a direct threat to its southern border security. The UAE has denied these claims, announcing a full withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen while calling for de-escalation and dialogue.
In response to the crisis, PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi formally requested Saudi Arabia to host an inclusive conference in Riyadh to address the "southern cause"—a term acknowledging historical grievances of southern Yemenis while seeking solutions within a unified framework. Saudi Arabia swiftly accepted, issuing a statement on January 3 welcoming the request and urging all southern factions, including the STC, to participate in formulating "just solutions" that meet southern aspirations without compromising national unity.
The STC has tentatively welcomed the initiative, describing it as a "genuine opportunity for serious dialogue." Regional actors have largely endorsed the Riyadh forum: Qatar expressed appreciation for Saudi hosting efforts, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended the move as a step toward peace, and the Arab League Secretary-General praised it for promoting inclusive solutions.
Internationally, reactions reflect concern over Yemen's further splintering. Egypt issued a statement calling for restraint and reaffirming support for Yemen's unity. The European Union warned of risks to regional stability, while analysts note that the Houthis—controlling northern Yemen—could exploit these divisions to strengthen their position.
Türkiye's statement positions it alongside nations prioritizing Yemen's sovereignty, contrasting with any perceived separatist agendas. Ankara has historically opposed fragmentation in the Arab world, drawing parallels to its own concerns over territorial integrity. The ministry's emphasis on "constitutional legitimacy" underscores backing for the PLC, formed in Riyadh in April 2022 to unify anti-Houthi forces under al-Alimi's leadership.
As the proposed Riyadh conference looms—though no date has been set—diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a full breakdown of the Saudi-UAE alliance, which has been pivotal in containing Houthi advances. Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing famine and displacement amid the decade-long conflict.
Türkiye's involvement highlights its growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, balancing relations with Gulf states while advocating UN-backed resolutions. The Foreign Ministry concluded by calling for all parties to prioritize dialogue, echoing global appeals for a comprehensive political settlement.
