Tariq Saleh Waves the Riyadh Card After His Setback in the South

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

Tariq Saleh revealed, in a post on his official account on the “X” platform, that he met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, attaching the post to a photo that brought him together with the Saudi official.

The timing of publishing the photo and its political implications carry multiple messages, foremost among them Tariq Saleh’s attempt to reassure his followers and loyalists that he still maintains a line of communication with Riyadh, and that the Kingdom has not closed its doors to him, despite the shifts in his positions during the recent conflict in southern Yemen.

A Reassurance Message After a Wave of Defections

This move comes after Tariq Saleh’s camp witnessed a wave of public political defections following his announcement of joining the UAE-backed separatist camp during the recent confrontation between the two wings of the Saudi-Emirati coalition in the south. This development raised widespread doubts about his true position on the conflict map.

An Attempt to Play the Mediator Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

Political readings suggest that Tariq Saleh is trying to present himself as a “field mediator” capable of mending the rift between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and resolving the disputes that have deepened between Mohammed bin Zayed and Mohammed bin Salman in what has come to be known as the “bone-breaking battle” over influence in southern Yemen.

High-Risk Bets

However, these bets appear fraught with risks, given political circles’ awareness of the approach of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is not known for tolerating those who change their loyalties or turn their backs on his allies—even if they are from his close circle or members of the family itself.