Saudi Arabia takes decisive steps to stop movements of STC’s president

ADEN, Mar. 11 (YPA) – Saudi Arabia returned Rashad al-Alimi, President of the “Presidential Leadership Council,” to Aden city on Monday in a significant move aimed at curbing the unilateral actions of his deputy, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who heads the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

These developments are part of an effort to disrupt decisions made unilaterally by al-Zubaidi without consulting the council members. This comes as internal conflict intensifies over issues related to revenues, commissions from oil field sales, employment, and electricity.

According to political sources, al-Alimi’s sudden return was directed by Riyadh and pressured by the Islah Party. The aim was to reverse al-Zubaidi’s decision to employ 17 young men loyal to the STC. This decision was rejected by government partners on the grounds that it violates the agreed-upon principle of quotas.

The sources confirmed that al-Alimi intends to rescind the employment decision due to the worsening economic crisis, considering the move a violation of the outcomes of the Riyadh consultations, which stipulate that decisions be made by consensus among the various parties comprising the government: the General People’s Congress, the Islah Party, and the Southern Transitional Council.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that al-Zubaidi’s visits to a number of southern provinces could be considered part of his preparations for a potential new round of conflict, reflecting the escalating regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE for influence within the Leadership Council.

YPA