The Saudi-backed presidential council in Yemen has expelled the leader of a separatist group and charged him with treason after he failed to attend scheduled talks in Riyadh. Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), was accused of undermining Yemen’s independence.
Yemeni Separatist Leader Expelled, Accused of Treason
Six members of the presidential council accused al-Zubaidi of “undermining the independence of the republic.” The Saudi-led military coalition stated that al-Zubaidi “fled” after not joining STC officials on a flight from Aden and “moved a large force” to al-Dahle province.
Coalition aircraft responded with strikes on the forces in al-Dahle. The STC said the strikes, which reportedly killed four people, were “unjustified” and that al-Zubaidi remained in Aden.
The recent developments come as southern Yemen moves closer to a new conflict, pitting factions battling the Iran-backed Houthi movement against each other and deepening a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. STC-aligned forces have taken control of much of the south, seeking renewed independence from the internationally recognized government.
In December, STC forces launched offensives to seize the eastern provinces of Hadramawt and al-Mahra, citing a need to “restore stability” and combat various groups including the Houthis, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State. Saudi Arabia warned last week that these advances threatened its national security and Yemen’s stability.
Saudi Arabia also accused the UAE of “pressuring” its separatist allies and supported a demand for all Emirati forces to leave Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a shipment of weapons and military vehicles for the STC allegedly arriving from the UAE. The UAE expressed “deep regret” at the accusations and agreed to withdraw its remaining forces.
Zubaidi and an STC delegation were scheduled to fly from Aden to Riyadh on Tuesday night for talks. However, the coalition said the plane departed three hours late without Zubaidi, who allegedly moved forces towards al-Dhale.
According to coalition spokesman Maj-Gen Turki al-Malki, intelligence indicated al-Zubaidi moved a large force, including armored vehicles and weapons, from camps in Aden towards al-Dhale. Coalition forces launched “limited pre-emptive strikes” to disrupt these forces and prevent escalation.
More than 15 strikes hit al-Dahle early Wednesday, resulting in at least four civilian deaths, according to hospital sources. Al-Malki also accused al-Zubaidi of distributing weapons in Aden “with the aim of creating unrest.”
The presidential council issued a decree stripping al-Zubaidi of his membership and referring him to the attorney general on charges including “high treason,” and “forming an armed gang.” The council alleged al-Zubaidi exploited the southern cause to commit crimes against civilians.
The STC stated it sent a delegation led by its secretary-general, Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Subaihi, to Riyadh, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue. Al-Zubaidi continues to carry out his duties from Aden, overseeing military, security, and civilian institutions, the STC said.
The STC expressed surprise at the coalition air strikes in al-Dahle, calling them an “unfortunate escalation.” It also voiced concern over the whereabouts of its delegation in Riyadh, requesting clarification.
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