Al‑Zubaidi issues first message after fleeing Aden

ADEN, Jan. 17 (YPA) – Aidarous Al‑Zubaidi, the president of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), has issued a statement in his first official and public appearance since he fled Aden to the United Arab Emirates amid rising tensions and a deepening rift within Yemen’s southern separatist movement.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Al‑Zubaidi addressed supporters, saying: “O noble masses of the people of the South, today you have proven to the world that you are the rightful owners of legitimacy, that your free will is the true source of legitimacy, and that the voice of the Southern people can no longer be ignored or bypassed. You came out in your millions to speak your word clearly and without ambiguity.”

He added, “This million-strong demonstration represents a decisive political message, affirming the Southern people’s commitment to the Political Statement and the Constitutional Declaration as a comprehensive national path that expresses your legitimate aspirations to restore your state and build a future worthy of your immense sacrifices.”

Al‑Zubaidi continued: “Today, the South has entered a new phase defined by steadfastness and unity of ranks, and by imposing the popular will on the table of the region and the world. From now on, we will not accept any solutions that diminish our rights or impose upon us an unacceptable reality.”

“I pledge to you that we will remain faithful to the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of the heroes, and that we will move forward together until achieving the desired national goal. With your determination we triumph, with your unity the South is protected, and by your will the coming state will be written.”

However, al‑Zubaidi has not commented on recent actions by Saudi Arabia and the government loyal to the Saudi‑led coalition against STC leaders and supporters.

@E.Y.M