Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in Yemen has expelled Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and referred him for prosecution on treason charges, sharply escalating tensions in the country’s south.
The move followed Zubaidi’s failure to travel to Riyadh for scheduled talks with the Yemeni government. Six PLC members accused him of undermining Yemen’s unity and exploiting the southern cause for personal and political interests.
A Saudi-led military coalition said Zubaidi skipped a flight from Aden to Riyadh and instead deployed a large, heavily armed force toward al-Dhale province. The coalition reported the movement included armored vehicles, heavy weapons, and ammunition, raising fears of renewed internal fighting.
In response, coalition warplanes carried out more than 15 airstrikes on STC-linked forces in al-Dhale early Wednesday. Hospital sources told AFP that at least four civilians were killed. Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Malki described the strikes as “pre-emptive,” aimed at preventing further escalation.
The coalition also accused Zubaidi of distributing weapons to armed groups in Aden to stir unrest and said STC deputy leader Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami was tasked with helping maintain security in the city.
The STC rejected the allegations, calling the airstrikes “unjustified” and an “unfortunate escalation” that undermines dialogue efforts. It insisted Zubaidi remains in Aden and continues to perform his duties.
The group also said it had lost contact with its delegation sent to Riyadh, led by Secretary-General Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Subaihi, and complained that no official information had been provided about their whereabouts.
In an official decree, the PLC removed Zubaidi from his post and referred him to the attorney general on charges including high treason, forming armed groups, killing military personnel, and damaging Yemen’s political and economic stability.
The crisis comes amid rising tensions in southern Yemen, where STC-aligned forces have expanded their control in recent years while pushing for the restoration of an independent southern state. In December, the STC launched operations in Hadramawt and al-Mahra, claiming they were aimed at combating the Houthis, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State.
Saudi Arabia warned that the STC’s advances near its border posed a threat to regional security and accused the UAE of backing the group. While the UAE denied supplying weapons, it later agreed to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen.
As government forces regain territory in eastern Yemen and political talks face strain, the latest developments underscore growing rifts among anti-Houthi allies and raise fears of renewed internal conflict in Yemen’s prolonged war.
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Jan. 9, 2026
5:59 p.m.
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