Senior STC figure leaves Aden for Djibouti amid accusations of human rights abuses

ADEN, Jan. 08 (YPA) – The Southern Transitional Council (STC) figure and head of the UAE-backed “Counter-Terrorism Unit,” Shallal Ali Shaye, reportedly departed Aden International Airport for Djibouti on Thursday morning.

Sources indicate that Djibouti serves as a transit point before his final relocation to the UAE.

Shaye reportedly boarded Djibouti Airlines flight 304, which took off at 11:30 AM. His departure has raised significant questions regarding the security protocols at Aden International Airport, particularly given the intensified oversight by Saudi-led coalition forces currently securing the facility and former STC strongholds.

Shaye’s exit comes at a time when he faces mounting accusations of severe human rights violations. According to various human rights reports, Shaye is allegedly implicated in:

The Oversight of Secret Prisons: Direct involvement in managing an undisclosed detention facility where dozens of detainees reportedly faced brutal treatment.

Targeted Assassinations: Leading and funding cells responsible for the assassination of high-profile political, religious, and social figures in Aden and other southern regions over the past several years.

This development follows closely on the heels of reports concerning the exit of STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi. According to coalition statements, al-Zubaidi reportedly left Aden earlier this week via a complex maritime and aerial route involving a sea vessel to Somaliland before flying to Mogadishu and ultimately the UAE.

The simultaneous departure of these key figures marks a potential shift in the security and political landscape of the interim capital, Aden.

YPA