A significant diplomatic incident has unfolded as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a Yemeni separatist faction, reports the complete disappearance of its high-level delegation in Saudi Arabia. According to senior STC foreign affairs official Amr al-Bidh, communication was lost with over 50 officials immediately after their arrival in Riyadh at 3 a.m. local time.
The delegation’s disappearance coincides with a severe political rupture within Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has formally expelled Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the UAE-backed head of the STC, accusing him of ‘high treason’ and initiating a formal investigation. The charges include damaging Yemen’s political standing, forming illegal armed groups, committing violations against civilians, and sabotaging military facilities.
In a parallel military escalation, Saudi Arabia conducted a series of airstrikes, described as ‘pre-emptive,’ targeting al-Dhale province, Zubaidi’s hometown. The STC claims these strikes resulted in civilian casualties, killing two and wounding fourteen. Concurrently, Saudi-backed ground forces were reported advancing towards the port city of Aden, a key STC stronghold, though the separatists maintain they still control the city.
The situation exposes a rare public fissure in the Gulf coalition. Saudi Arabia recently condemned the UAE’s backing of the southern separatists and even bombed an Emirati shipment at the port of Mukalla. In response, the UAE expressed surprise at the Saudi account and subsequently announced the withdrawal of all its military personnel from Yemen, citing ‘recent developments.’
The STC, which advocates for an independent South Yemen, had recently gained significant territory in a lightning offensive before this sudden reversal. The delegation’s mysterious disappearance in Riyadh now adds a complex layer of diplomatic intrigue to an already volatile conflict.