Aden’s “Security Committee” removes Al-Zubaidi’s portraits as departs for Riyadh, amid moves to curb Emirati influence

ADEN, Jan. 06 (YPA) – The so-called “Security Committee” in Aden city, southern Yemen, removed portraits of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) President, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, from the meeting hall at Governor Ahmed Lamlas’s office on Tuesday, in a field development carrying significant political implications.

The move took place immediately after Al-Zubaidi departed from Aden International Airport for the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on a visit described as both critical and sudden.

Key Shifts in the Political Landscape

Field Messages:

Observers view the removal of the portraits as a “political message” reflecting the waning influence of the STC and the diminishing Emirati diplomatic cover, particularly following recent military setbacks in Hadramout and Mahra.

Trust Crisis with Riyadh:

Informed sources revealed that Al-Zubaidi departed with only 16 officials, ignoring Riyadh’s request for nearly 50 first-tier leaders to attend. This cautious move reflects deep-seated fears within the Council of “forced detention” or a strategic attempt to hollow out the Council’s leadership presence on the ground.

Ending the Emirati Role:

These developments coincide with Saudi-led arrangements aimed at officially terminating UAE interventions and integrating pro-Riyadh southern factions as primary stakeholders in the upcoming political process.

Consequences of Military Failure:

This “political fracturing” is linked to the defeat suffered by UAE-backed factions in early December. Their failed attempt to seize eastern provinces—halted by Saudi airstrikes—thwarted ambitions to declare a “Southern State” modeled after the “Somaliland” template in exchange for regional normalization.

YPA