The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in Yemen, supported by Saudi Arabia, has expelled Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The PLC has also initiated treason charges against Zubaidi following his absence from scheduled talks in Riyadh. This action coincided with the Saudi-led military coalition conducting air strikes targeting STC forces in Yemen's al-Dhale province.
Presidential Council Actions and Accusations
The PLC's decree stripped Zubaidi of his membership and referred him to the attorney general for prosecution. The charges brought against him include "high treason," "damaging the republic's military, political and economic standing," and "forming an armed gang and committing the murder of officers and soldiers of the armed forces." The council also stated that Zubaidi "abused the just cause of the South and exploited it to commit grave crimes against civilians." Additionally, six other PLC members accused Zubaidi of "undermining the independence of the republic."
In response to these actions, the STC's foreign affairs authority stated that Zubaidi continues his duties from Aden.
Military Engagements and Coalition Statements
The Saudi-led coalition reported conducting "limited pre-emptive strikes" on STC forces in al-Dhale province. The coalition stated that intelligence indicated Zubaidi had moved armored vehicles, combat vehicles, and weaponry from Aden towards al-Dhale. Maj-Gen Turki al-Malki, a coalition spokesman, described the strikes as intended to "disrupt these forces and thwart Zubaidi's attempts to escalate the conflict." He also accused Zubaidi of distributing weapons in Aden to create unrest and stated that the coalition had requested STC deputy leader Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami to address security in Aden.
Sources from AFP news agency reported more than 15 strikes in al-Dhale, resulting in at least four civilian fatalities. The STC characterized these strikes as "unjustified" and an "unfortunate escalation that is inconsistent with the declared climate of dialogue," stating they were "taken by surprise."
Context of Dialogue Efforts
Zubaidi and an STC delegation were scheduled to attend talks with the Yemeni government in Riyadh. The coalition reported that Zubaidi did not join STC officials on a flight from Aden, stating he "fled to an unknown location."
The STC confirmed that a delegation, led by its secretary-general, Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Subaihi, had traveled to Riyadh, emphasizing its commitment to "engaging positively and responsibly with various political initiatives and dialogue efforts." However, the STC later expressed concern, stating no official information had been received about the delegation's whereabouts and circumstances in Riyadh. The Presidential Council also expressed concern regarding a loss of contact with the STC's delegation in Riyadh.
Broader Regional Tensions and Background
This escalation occurs amid heightened tensions in southern Yemen between various factions involved in the country's decade-long civil war against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The STC advocates for an independent state in southern Yemen and has gained control of significant areas, often by displacing forces loyal to the internationally recognized government.
- Recent Offensives: In December, STC forces launched offensives to take control of Hadramawt and al-Mahra provinces from the government, asserting these actions were necessary to restore stability and combat the Houthis, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State groups.
- Saudi Concerns: Saudi Arabia voiced concerns that STC advances near its borders posed threats to its national security and Yemen's stability. It also accused the UAE of encouraging its separatist allies to advance into eastern Yemen and supported a call from the Presidential Council for all Emirati forces to withdraw.
- Coalition Action Against UAE Shipment: The Saudi-led coalition, formed in 2015, previously struck what it identified as a shipment of weapons and military vehicles for the STC originating from the UAE.
- UAE Response and Withdrawal: The UAE denied the presence of weapons, expressed "deep regret" regarding the Saudi accusations, and subsequently agreed to withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen.
- Government Control Regained: Forces loyal to the government have largely regained control of Hadramawt and al-Mahra with the assistance of coalition air strikes.