Saudi-Led Coalition Launches Air Strikes in Yemen After Separatist Leader Removed

A Saudi-led coalition carried out deadly air strikes on Wednesday in southern Yemen, targeting the home province of separatist leader Aidaros Alzubidi after he was removed from government and accused of treason.

Alzubidi leads the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is backed by the United Arab Emirates. Last month, the group seized large areas in the south but was later pushed back by Saudi-led forces and allied Yemeni troops.

Alzubidi was scheduled to travel to Riyadh for talks aimed at easing tensions. However, his flight was delayed, and he did not board the plane when it eventually departed.

The coalition said Alzubidi later fled and gathered large numbers of fighters in Dhale governorate after missing the talks. Soon after, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council announced his removal, accusing him of high treason.

On Wednesday, more than 15 air strikes hit Dhale, killing four people, according to hospital sources.

Fighting between the UAE-backed STC and pro-Saudi forces has intensified in recent weeks, particularly around Aden, where Yemen’s internationally recognised government has been based since being forced out of Sanaa by Houthi rebels in 2014.

The clashes have also strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both key players in Yemen’s conflict.

A coalition spokesperson said the air strikes were carried out to stop Alzubidi from expanding the fighting. Meanwhile, an STC official said Alzubidi chose not to attend the Riyadh talks after learning he would be asked to dissolve his group.