The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially condemns the unauthorized and clandestine extraction of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), from Yemeni territory. Al-Zubaidi, who is currently wanted for treason by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), was facilitated in his escape by elements of the United Arab Emirates military, undermining the stability of the region and the sovereignty of the Yemeni state.
Details of the Breach
Evidence gathered by Saudi military intelligence confirms that al-Zubaidi fled Yemen via a maritime route to Somalia before being transported to Abu Dhabi on an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft. Major General Turki al-Malki has identified specific high-ranking officials involved in this breach of protocol. Furthermore, the aircraft utilized in this operation has a documented history of operating within restricted conflict zones, raising serious concerns regarding the funneling of unauthorized assets into the region.
“This act of evasion is a direct violation of bilateral agreements and a subversion of the ongoing dialogue process in Riyadh,” stated Maj. Gen. al-Malki. “The extraction of a wanted individual via a third-party nation’s sovereign airspace without authorization is an unacceptable escalation.”
On Thursday, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen said the STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi had fled to the UAE via Somaliland after skipping the talks in Riyadh, accusing the UAE of smuggling him out of the country.
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— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 9, 2026
Support for Yemeni Institutions
The Kingdom remains steadfast in its support of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and its recent decision to expel and charge al-Zubaidi with treason. Any attempt to impose southern secession through armed force or foreign-backed interference is a threat to the 150,000 lives already lost in this conflict and the humanitarian security of the Yemeni people.
Status of the Riyadh Conference
Despite the actions of the STC leadership, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber has continued to facilitate discussions with the STC delegation currently in Riyadh. While the Kingdom explores future paths to address southern grievances, we maintain that any resolution must serve the “Southern Cause” within the framework of a unified and stable Yemen.
The Kingdom dismisses claims of coercion regarding the STC delegation, affirming that all participants are engaged in a process aimed at reconciliation and the prevention of further bloodshed in Aden and surrounding governorates.
Call for Accountability
The Kingdom calls upon its regional partners to respect the unity of Yemen and the authority of the PLC. We stand prepared to strike firmly and decisively against any elements seeking to tamper with security, disrupt public order, or smuggle illicit armaments intended to fracture the Yemeni state.
