Sudden reappearance of Aidarous al-Zubaidi challenges Saudi “ban”, escalates tensions with UAE

ADEN, Feb. 11 (YPA) – The President of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, broke a month-long disappearance with a sudden post on “X” (formerly Twitter), calling on his followers to remain “steadfast” in defending their cause.

Observers view this move as a direct challenge to Saudi warnings previously issued to the UAE to prevent al-Zubaidi from engaging in any political activity.

This reappearance comes amid unprecedented tension between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, following Saudi Arabia’s unilateral control over southern and eastern Yemen and the rise of popular protests against its presence.

Al-Zubaidi had vanished from the public eye last January after Presidential Leadership Council head, Rashad al-Alimi, dismissed him and charged him with “high treason,” alongside Saudi accusations that the UAE facilitated his smuggling to its territories via Somalia.

YPA