Yemen’s political landscape has been plunged into a severe crisis following the dramatic dismissal of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), by the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). The PLC, chaired by Rashad al-Alimi, issued an official decree on Wednesday formally stripping al-Zubaidi of his membership and referring him to the Prosecutor General on charges of high treason.
The decree explicitly accused al-Zubaidi of systematically damaging Yemen’s political and military standing, forming illegal armed groups, committing grave violations against civilians, orchestrating the killing of military personnel, and sabotaging critical military infrastructure. This unprecedented move comes amid escalating violence in Yemen’s strategically vital southern regions.
The STC, which controls substantial territory in southern Yemen, immediately rejected the allegations and denied reports of their leader’s disappearance. In an official statement, the separatist group asserted that al-Zubaidi remains in Aden and continues to perform his duties normally.
The crisis deepened as Saudi Arabia’s coalition spokesman, Major General Turki al-Maliki, revealed that al-Zubaidi had been instructed on January 4th to travel to Saudi Arabia within 48 hours for emergency discussions regarding escalating STC attacks in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces. These eastern regions collectively constitute nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share critical borders with Saudi Arabia.
According to al-Maliki, al-Zubaidi initially committed to arriving on January 6th but subsequently vanished without explanation. When a Yemenia Airways flight eventually departed after significant delays, it carried senior STC officials without their leader, who had apparently fled to an unknown location.
In a parallel development, the PLC dismissed Transport Minister Abdul Salam Hamid and Planning Minister Waad Badhib, referring both for investigation. The council additionally ordered the arrest of individuals accused of weapons distribution and threatening civil peace, vowing decisive action to uphold legal authority.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition conducted over fifteen airstrikes in Dhale governorate, with hospital sources reporting multiple casualties. The STC condemned these bombardments while simultaneously demanding that Saudi authorities immediately cease aerial attacks, maintaining that al-Zubaidi continues governing from Aden.