Yemeni Mercenary Tensions Peak as Southern Transitional Council Leader Flees Amid Saudi Airstrikes
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, escalating clashes between UAE-backed and Saudi-aligned forces in Yemen have culminated in extensive Saudi airstrikes targeting the al-Zand camp of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Zabid district of Dhale province. Local sources report that STC president Aidarous al-Zubaidi has fled to an undisclosed location following the attacks.
The Saudi coalition confirmed al-Zubaidi’s escape, with spokesmen stating he abandoned other STC leaders on a flight authorized to Riyadh. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, subsequently removed al-Zubaidi from the leadership body and referred him to the Attorney General for “major treason” charges including forming armed groups and killing military personnel.
Local sources describe at least six Saudi airstrikes targeting military equipment transported from Aden, causing massive explosions in Dhale. Coalition spokesmen stated these were pre-dawn preventive strikes to thwart al-Zubaidi’s alleged plans to escalate conflict in the region. The al-Mayadeen network reports dozens killed and wounded in the Dhale strikes, with coalition forces warning civilians to avoid military gatherings in Aden and Dhale.
