Overview
- Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi failed to board a flight to Saudi Arabia and fled to an unknown location after reported mobilization of forces.
- The Presidential Leadership Council revoked al-Zubaidi’s membership and referred him to prosecutors on charges including high treason, citing incitement of armed rebellion and abuses against civilians.
- The Saudi-led coalition reported conducting limited pre-emptive airstrikes, including in al-Dhalea, to prevent an expansion of separatist operations.
- Saudi Arabia had invited southern factions to talks in Riyadh, and some STC officials traveled, but the status of the dialogue is now unclear following the leadership turmoil.
- These moves follow Saudi-backed forces retaking Hadramout and Al-Mahra, including Mukalla, and the UAE’s announcement that it withdrew its remaining forces from Yemen.