Saudi airstrikes early Wednesday killed at least six people in the hometown of Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), in Yemen’s southern province of Al-Dhalea.
According to foreign media, the Initial reports indicated that the airstrikes targeted a residential house in the Zubaid area, killing six civilians and injuring nearly 10 others, a health official in Al-Dhalea said on condition of anonymity. Medical teams have taken the wounded to nearby hospitals.
In response, the STC said it was “surprised” by the strikes, describing them as a “regrettable escalation” that undermines ongoing dialogue efforts. The council reaffirmed its commitment to engaging “positively and responsibly” with political initiatives and stressed that serious dialogue remains the best way to address issues affecting the people of southern Yemen.
A delegation led by STC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Jalal Shaher Al-Subaihi, along with members of the STC presidency, arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to participate in an upcoming conference on southern Yemen, reflecting the council’s openness to constructive political engagement.
The airstrikes coincided with reports that Al-Zubaidi had left his known location in Aden and did not board a planned flight to Saudi Arabia, where he was expected to meet with Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and the Saudi-led coalition to discuss escalating tensions.
Saudi coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki said Al-Zubaidi was “required” to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks, but the STC stated that he remained in Aden overseeing military, security, and civilian institutions. An STC official said Al-Zubaidi was “unwilling to travel under the prevailing circumstances, citing strong pressure and a deadline imposed by Saudi authorities.”
Meanwhile, Al-Alimi revoked Al-Zubaidi’s membership in the PLC on charges of “high treason,” referring the case to the attorney general. The decision accused Al-Zubaidi of exploiting the southern cause to commit “serious violations” against civilians.
Military tensions have escalated in southern Yemen, with rival armed factions moving simultaneously in the region. Last week, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes and ground operations forced STC forces to withdraw from the oil-rich Hadramout province and Al-Mahrah province, both previously seized by STC troops in December.
Formed in 2017 and reportedly backed by the United Arab Emirates, the STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into Yemen’s ruling PLC in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, fueling recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources.
