Presidential council takes decisive action
Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council has expelled separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi and referred him to the attorney general on charges that include high treason. The move followed his failure to travel to Riyadh for talks intended to ease escalating tensions in southern Yemen.
Six other members of the council accused Zubaidi of undermining national unity, mobilising armed forces without authorisation and damaging the country’s political and military standing. His removal marks a major escalation in internal divisions among factions opposed to the Houthi movement.
Air strikes intensify the crisis
A Saudi-led military coalition said Zubaidi did not board a scheduled flight from Aden and instead moved armed units toward al-Dhale province. Coalition forces responded with air strikes described as pre-emptive measures to prevent further escalation. Local sources reported civilian casualties, adding to public anger and political pressure.
The Southern Transitional Council rejected the coalition’s account, calling the strikes unjustified and saying Zubaidi remained in Aden. The group also said it lost contact with its delegation that traveled to Riyadh, raising concerns about the fate of ongoing dialogue efforts.
Growing strain between regional allies
The confrontation has exposed widening rifts between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both key players in Yemen but supporters of different local factions. Saudi officials have warned that separatist advances near their borders threaten regional security, while the UAE has denied directing or arming recent operations.
Government-aligned forces have since regained control of parts of eastern Yemen with coalition support, reversing gains made by separatist units in recent weeks.
Southern independence ambitions
The Southern Transitional Council controls large areas of southern Yemen and seeks to restore an independent southern state. Supporters argue that decentralisation would bring stability, while critics warn it risks further fragmenting an already divided country.
Despite Zubaidi’s expulsion, the council says it remains committed to political dialogue and insists its leadership continues to operate from Aden. It warned that recent developments could derail negotiations and push the country toward renewed internal conflict.
Uncertain outlook
The removal of a key separatist figure places Yemen’s fragile political balance under renewed strain. As rival factions exchange accusations and military pressure increases, prospects for unity among anti-Houthi forces appear increasingly uncertain, raising fears of another phase in the prolonged civil war.
