Pakistan, Jan. 4 -- Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) welcomed Saudi Arabia's offer for dialogue, calling it a "genuine opportunity for serious talks" that could protect the aspirations of southern Yemenis amid recent violence. The statement signals a potential de-escalation in the southern region.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited southern Yemeni factions to a forum in Riyadh to develop a "comprehensive vision" for fair solutions addressing the southern cause. Officials emphasized that the initiative aims to promote lasting peace and stability in Yemen.

The dialogue offer follows recent clashes in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces, where the STC launched a major offensive last month. The fighting prompted Saudi Ar...