Yemen separatist leader accused of treason as Saudi Arabia strikes forces

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete January 7, 2026 at 01:47 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential council expelled Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), accusing him of treason after he refused to attend talks in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition then launched airstrikes against STC forces, claiming they were deployed after Zubaidi "fled" Aden. The STC condemned the strikes, asserting Zubaidi remained in Aden and expressing concern over lost contact with their delegation in Riyadh. This escalation highlights growing tensions between factions battling the Houthis in Yemen's civil war and deepens the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly over the STC's push to control southern Yemen. Recent STC offensives in eastern provinces prompted warnings from Saudi Arabia, who accused the UAE of supporting the separatist actions and struck what it said was a shipment of weapons for the STC that had arrived from the UAE.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Islamic State group 35% al-Qaeda 35% al-Dahle 40% Aden ×255% Riyadh ×260% Houthi movement ×260% United Arab Emirates ×675% Yemen ×380% Saudi Arabia ×580% Southern Transitional Council (STC) ×785% Aidarous al-Zubaidi ×490%

Keywords

yemen 100% separatist movement 80% saudi arabia 70% united arab emirates 70% southern transitional council 70% civil war 60% houthi movement 50% military strikes 50% treason 50% presidential council 40%