Yemen's Separatist Leader Accused of Betrayal Amid Saudi Attacks

Southern Transition Council Leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi Accused of Treason

The leader of the Southern Transition Council, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has been ousted from the council led by Saudi Arabia and accused of treason after he refused to participate in negotiations in Riyadh. Six other council members stated that al-Zubaidi undermined the independence of the republic. A Saudi-led military coalition claimed that al-Zubaidi had "fled" after failing to join STC officials on a flight from Aden and moved a large force into the al-Dhale province. Coalition aircraft have launched attacks on these forces, with reports indicating that four people were killed, an action the STC deemed "unjustified." Al-Zubaidi remains in Aden, and STC representatives stated they have lost contact with their delegation in Riyadh.

In recent weeks, southern Yemen has escalated into new conflicts, with factions fighting among themselves while still engaged in a civil war against the Houthi movement. Forces aligned with the STC have seized control of a large part of southern Yemen, insisting on restoring an independent state. In December, STC forces launched offensives to take over the Hadramawt and al-Mahra provinces, aiming to "restore stability" in the south while combating the Houthis, al-Qaeda, and ISIS. Saudi Arabia has warned that advances near its borders pose threats to national security.

The coalition carried out preliminary attacks to reveal intentions to escalate the conflict after receiving information regarding al-Zubaidi's movement of a large force from the Jabal Hadid and al-Solban camps towards al-Dhale. Over 15 attacks have been conducted, which resulted in the deaths of at least four civilians. The president of the council issued a decree expelling al-Zubaidi from his position and referring him to the attorney general, where he faces charges of high treason.

The STC expressed surprise at the airstrikes and emphasized that no official information regarding its delegation in Riyadh has been received, raising serious questions that require urgent clarification.