The Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen has launched strikes on the southern Dhale governorate, targeting secessionist forces after the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) failed to board a flight to peace talks in Riyadh.
Aidarous al-Zubaidi’s Absence Triggers Coalition Response
Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the STC, was scheduled to depart from Aden on Tuesday night for negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between his group and Yemen’s internationally recognised government. However, he “fled to an unknown location” instead of boarding the plane, according to the coalition.
The coalition stated that it received intelligence indicating al-Zubaidi had mobilized a substantial force, including armored vehicles, combat equipment, and munitions. This force departed Aden around midnight and was subsequently located in the Dhale governorate.
“Preemptive strikes” were launched at 4 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) to disable the forces and prevent al-Zubaidi from escalating the conflict, the coalition said.
The STC has not yet issued a comment regarding the strikes.
Background on the Southern Transitional Council
The Southern Transitional Council, initially an ally of Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthi rebels, launched an offensive in December seeking an independent state in the south. The group is backed by the United Arab Emirates.
The STC gained control of large areas of southern Yemen, including the Hadramout and Mahra provinces, despite warnings from Riyadh. Hadramout and Mahra together comprise nearly half of Yemeni territory and border Saudi Arabia.
In response to the STC’s advances, Saudi Arabia conducted air strikes on the port of Mukalla on December 30, targeting a shipment it alleged was linked to the UAE and contained weapons. Riyadh also supported a call for Emirati forces to withdraw from Yemen.
Abu Dhabi denied the weapons claim and affirmed its commitment to Saudi security, subsequently announcing the end of its “counterterrorism mission” in Yemen.
Yemeni government troops, supported by Saudi air strikes, reclaimed Hadramout and Mahra. The STC announced on Saturday its intention to participate in peace talks hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Recent Developments and Accusations
The STC delegation, excluding al-Zubaidi, departed Yemen for Riyadh early Wednesday morning. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the internationally recognised government’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced al-Zubaidi’s removal from the council for “committing high treason.”
Al-Alimi has requested the country’s Attorney General to investigate al-Zubaidi and pursue legal action.
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