The Saudi-led coalition said it struck targets in Dhale after accusing STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi of fleeing Aden and mobilising armed units bound for the governorate. The coalition described the attacks as "preemptive strikes" to prevent an escalation, while the STC denies the account and says al-Zubaidi remains in Aden. The clashes follow a December STC offensive — backed by the UAE — that seized large parts of southern Yemen; Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council has removed al-Zubaidi and requested a legal probe for "high treason."
Saudi-Led Coalition Strikes Southern Yemen After STC Leader Allegedly Flees Aden
Southern Transitional Council (STC) security personnel work at a checkpoint in Aden, Yemen, January 5, 2026. [/Fawaz Salman/Reuters]
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition said it launched air strikes in the southern Dhale governorate after accusing the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of mobilising forces when its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, failed to board a plane bound for talks in Riyadh.
In an early Wednesday statement the coalition said al-Zubaidi was due to depart Aden on Tuesday night for negotiations aimed at resolving clashes between the STC and Yemen's internationally recognised government. According to the coalition, al-Zubaidi "did not board the aircraft" and "fled to an unknown location."
The coalition added that intelligence indicated al-Zubaidi had mobilised a sizable force — including armoured and combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons, and munitions — that left Aden around midnight and moved into Dhale. At 4:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) the coalition said it carried out "preemptive strikes" to disable those units and to prevent an escalation.
The STC issued a response calling on Saudi Arabia to halt the strikes, saying it had lost contact with its delegation in Riyadh and denying the coalition's account. STC spokespeople said al-Zubaidi remained in Aden overseeing military and security operations.
Background
The STC — a separatist movement that initially sided with the internationally recognised government against the Houthi movement in northern Yemen — launched an offensive in December against Saudi-backed government forces as part of its bid to establish an independent southern state. The group is backed by the United Arab Emirates.
The STC seized wide areas of southern Yemen, including the Hadramout and Mahra provinces, breaking a long stalemate. Hadramout borders Saudi Arabia and Mahra is close to the border; together the two provinces account for nearly half of Yemen's territory.
On December 30, Riyadh conducted air strikes on the port city of Mukalla, saying it targeted a UAE-linked weapons shipment. Abu Dhabi denied the claims and soon after announced the end of what it called its "counterterrorism mission" in Yemen. Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air power, later moved to reclaim Hadramout and Mahra.
Diplomatic And Legal Fallout
The coalition said the STC delegation — excluding al-Zubaidi — departed Yemen for Riyadh in the early hours of Wednesday. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council, announced that al-Zubaidi has been removed from the council for "committing high treason" and said he has asked the Attorney General to open an investigation and pursue legal action.
Note: Claims and counterclaims are ongoing. Independent verification of troop movements and the exact location of key figures has not been confirmed.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts and security operations continuing as regional actors monitor developments closely.
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