Turkey offers mediation in Yemen's escalating conflict

ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his country's willingness to facilitate dialogue between Yemen’s warring factions in the conflict-torn nation.

The announcement came during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Sunday.

The Yemen conflict, which has persisted for over a decade, involves multiple parties including the internationally recognized government, Houthi rebels, and southern separatists, with external influences from regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation in fighting, particularly in eastern provinces such as Al-Mahrah, where reports of Saudi airstrikes have emerged, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the country.

According to statements from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan emphasized Turkey's readiness to "contribute to efforts to bring Yemen's competing parties together."

This comes at a time when international calls for ceasefire and negotiations have intensified, with the United Nations repeatedly urging dialogue to address the dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Yemenis.

Analysts suggest that Turkey's involvement could introduce a new dynamic, given Ankara's relations with various factions and its history of mediation in conflicts like those in Libya and Syria.

However, challenges remain. Yemen's factions have historically been divided along sectarian, regional, and political lines, making unified talks difficult. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have not yet responded publicly to the Turkish offer. Meanwhile, the Southern Transitional Council in Aden continues to push for greater autonomy, adding layers to any prospective dialogue.

International observers have welcomed the initiative but caution that concrete steps are needed.

"Turkey's offer is a positive signal, but success depends on buy-in from all parties and coordination with existing UN-led efforts," said a Middle East expert at the International Crisis Group.

As of now, no specific timeline or framework for Turkish-mediated talks has been announced. The coming days may reveal more about how this proposal unfolds amid the volatile situation in Yemen, where over 150,000 people have died since the war began, and millions face famine and displacement.