Yemen's Separatist Leader Al-Zubaidi Accused of Treason and Fleeing to UAE, Straining Saudi-UAE Relations
In recent developments, Yemen's separatist leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, has been accused of high treason by Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and is believed to have fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid escalating tensions in the region. This has strained relations between the Saudi-led coalition and the UAE, with the coalition alleging that UAE helped the separatist leader escape.
A Controversial Figure
Al-Zubaidi, the head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), is a divisive figure in Yemen's political landscape. He reportedly led a lightning military offensive in December 2025, seizing vast oil-rich provinces in eastern Yemen. However, his actions have led to accusations of high treason
by the Yemeni government, and he was dismissed from the PLC.
The Escape to UAE
Al-Zubaidi failed to attend the scheduled peace talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing a stir in the regional political scene. Subsequently, the Saudi-led coalition alleged that al-Zubaidi had fled Yemen, first by boat to Berbera in Somaliland and then by plane to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu. This has led to a deepening diplomatic row between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Riyadh accusing Abu Dhabi of facilitating al-Zubaidi's escape.
The Saudi-UAE Fallout
These developments have led to tensions between the Saudi-led coalition and the UAE, both of who back different factions in Yemen. The UAE has been accused of orchestrating a covert operation to extract al-Zubaidi from Yemen. This has exacerbated the proxy conflict in southern Yemen, pitting two U.S. allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, against each other.
Implications and Reactions
The alleged involvement of the UAE in aiding al-Zubaidi's escape has had widespread implications. In response to the UAE's suspected support for separatist movements, Algeria is considering severing diplomatic relations with the UAE, seeing its actions as destabilising and hostile
to Algerian national unity and Arab interests in general.
The UAE's actions have also led to Saudi Arabia ramping up its offensive in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out air strikes on positions held by the STC in southeastern Yemen, reportedly killing seven people.
Current Status
As the situation continues to evolve, southern Yemen has witnessed a shift in power dynamics. The STC's control in Aden has evaporated, with the city switching allegiances to the Presidential Leadership Council. Meanwhile, al-Zubaidi's current whereabouts remain unknown.