The Saudi-led coalition has launched an offensive in Yemen’s Dhare province, targeting separatist forces after Aidars al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), failed to board a flight to Riyadh for peace talks with the internationally recognized government. Al-Zubaidi reportedly fled to an unknown location after failing to appear for the negotiations.
The coalition claimed it was informed that al-Zubaidi had mobilized significant military resources, prompting a preemptive strike at 4 a.m. local time to prevent an escalation of conflict. The STC, which had initially supported the government against Houthi rebels, had also been pursuing an independent state in southern Yemen, supported by the United Arab Emirates.
Despite Riyadh’s efforts to maintain control, the STC has taken over substantial territories, including Hadramawt and Mahra, which border Saudi Arabia. Following this development, the coalition conducted airstrikes targeting what it identified as arms shipments linked to the UAE. In a related move, al-Zubaidi was expelled from the presidential leadership council for alleged treason, with calls for a legal investigation against him.
The STC has announced its intention to participate in Saudi-sponsored peace talks, but its delegation left Yemen without al-Zubaidi early Wednesday morning.
Source link
