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Saudi-Led Coalition Launches Airstrikes After Yemen Separatist Leader Skips Riyadh Talks

The escalation reflects a widening Saudi–UAE split over the STC’s push for southern independence.

Overview

  • Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council removed STC chief Aidarous al-Zubaidi and announced treason charges after he declined to travel for talks following a 48-hour ultimatum.
  • Coalition strikes hit al-Dhale after accusations that al-Zubaidi mobilized forces there, with local officials and hospital sources reporting multiple fatalities and more than 15 strikes.
  • The STC says more than 50 of its officials, including a delegation that flew to Riyadh, were detained or became unreachable after landing.
  • A nighttime curfew was declared in Aden as Saudi-backed forces deployed, with National Shield units moving toward the city and PLC-aligned Abdulrahman al-Mahrami assigned to enforce security.
  • The showdown follows recent STC advances in Hadramout and Mahra and a reported UAE arms shipment to Mukalla that drew Saudi strikes and strained relations within the anti-Houthi coalition.