Saudi Arabia moves to dismiss second leader from its ‘Presidential Leadership Council’

RIYADH, Jan. 11 (YPA)- Saudi Arabia has begun preparations to remove Faraj Al-Bahsani, a senior member of the Presidential Coalition Council, loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammad Al Jaber reportedly authorized Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi to take steps toward Al-Bahsani’s dismissal.

The move comes amid Saudi accusations that the UAE encouraged Al-Bahsani to incite unrest in southern Yemen.

Al-Bahsani denied being detained in Abu Dhabi, but sources said Saudi actions signal a withdrawal of support ahead of his potential removal.

He would become the second senior council member to be ousted, following Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, whose membership was revoked last week and who was referred for investigation on charges of high treason.

@E.Y.M