The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has reported that Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC), fled to the United Arab Emirates after skipping peace talks in Riyadh. The coalition accused the UAE of facilitating his escape.

Al-Zubaidi’s Escape Route

According to a statement from the coalition on Thursday, al-Zubaidi left Aden by boat on Wednesday, traveling to the port of Berbera in Somaliland. From there, he boarded a plane with UAE officials that flew to Abu Dhabi, reportedly via Mogadishu, Somalia.

The aircraft reportedly turned off its identification systems over the Gulf of Oman before turning them back on shortly prior to arrival at Al Reef military airport in Abu Dhabi.

Somalia’s immigration authority said it is investigating the alleged unauthorized use of Somali airspace and airports, calling it a “serious violation” of sovereignty.

Background: STC and Saudi-UAE Tensions

The STC initially supported Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels in northern Yemen. It later sought independence for southern Yemen, seizing Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces, which border Saudi Arabia—a move Riyadh called a red line.

• The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Mukalla on December 30 targeting a UAE-linked shipment.
• The UAE denied the shipment contained weapons and ended its counterterrorism mission in Yemen.
• Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air support, reclaimed Hadramout and al-Mahra.

Al-Zubaidi was expected to attend peace talks in Riyadh but did not board the Yemeni Air flight with the STC delegation. Following his escape, the coalition launched strikes on his forces in Al-Dale governorate, and government troops seized the presidential palace in Aden.

Political Fallout

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi declared al-Zubaidi a fugitive for “high treason” and requested an investigation.

From Riyadh, STC officials have continued peace discussions with the Saudi ambassador, Mohammed Al-Jaber. Analysts say leadership within the STC is shifting, with Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, commander of the Southern Giants Brigade, likely to take a larger role.

“From a Saudi perspective, today he’s a fugitive,” said Al Jazeera correspondent Hashem Ahelbarra.
“His era is over, and other lieutenants are now negotiating in Riyadh.”

Al-Zubaidi’s flight marks a significant rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, exposing tensions over Yemen’s political roadmap. While the STC had previously pushed for southern secession, current discussions in Riyadh focus on a federal system under one authority.

Implications for Yemen

The departure of al-Zubaidi and the ongoing Saudi-led oversight signal:

• Strained Saudi-UAE relations regarding Yemen’s governance.
• Consolidation of power within the STC under Riyadh’s supervision.
• A shift from secessionist ambitions to federalist solutions for southern Yemen.

Analysts warn that further dissent within the STC or interference from the UAE could complicate the peace process and stability in southern Yemen.