MUSCAT/ RIYADH: Oman called for "avoiding escalation... and engaging in a comprehensive political dialogue" after opposition in war-torn Yemen said that Saudi Arabia carried out air strikes on Friday against their forces in Al Mahra and Hadramawt.
The Foreign Ministry said Oman is closely following developments in Yemen and appreciates the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the concerned parties to reach peaceful solutions to address the situation in the two governorates.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Foreign Ministry, the Sultanate of Oman called for efforts to avoid escalation, return to the political process and engage in a comprehensive political dialogue that includes all segments of the brotherly Yemeni people to reach an understanding on what is best for the future of their country, thereby consolidating security, stability and peace in the sisterly Republic of Yemen and preserving the policy of good neighbourliness.
Aden Independent TV, a broadcaster affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), reported that Saudi jets bombed positions early on Friday held by STC-linked forces in the oil-rich Al Mahra and Hadramawt provinces in eastern Yemen.
The broadcaster aired footage of what it described as the aftermath of the strikes, but did not provide details on casualties or damage.
There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia.
The alleged air strikes followed fierce clashes between STC forces and fighters from the rival Hadramaut Tribal Alliance.
Local sources in Hadramaut told dpa that at least two STC-linked fighters were killed and 12 wounded in the fighting.
Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government against the Ansar Allah.
Earlier this month, fighting broke out between pro-STC forces and the Saudi-backed government, igniting fears of further divisions in the impoverished country.
The STC said they would not be deterred from pursuing their objectives after air strikes they blamed on Saudi Arabia hit their positions on Friday.
A Yemeni government official in Riyadh said earlier this week that Saudi Arabia was considering military action against the STC as a "last resort" should efforts to persuade the group to withdraw from newly seized territory fail.
The head of Yemen's presidential council Rashad al Alimi met with Western ambassadors and with Saudi Arabia's defence minister and dispatched government envoys to Aden to persuade the STC to withdraw from Hadramawt and Al Mahra, said the official.
On Friday, the UAE welcomed efforts by Saudi Arabia to support security in Yemen, as the two Gulf allies sought to present a united front despite backing different sides in the fighting.
Oman, a mediator that also borders Yemen, called for "avoiding escalation... and engaging in a comprehensive political dialogue".
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last week that the STC's advances raised the risk of "wider escalation and further fragmentation".
"A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security", he said, urging parties to de-escalate. — ONA with agency inputs
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