‘Al-Khubaji’ declines Saudi offer to lead political entity replacing “dissolved” STC

RIYADH, March 31 (YPA) – Informed political sources in the Saudi capital have revealed details of an offer presented by the “Special Committee” to Nasser Al-Khubaji, a prominent leader in the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC) loyal to the UAE.

The proposal involves Al-Khubaji heading a new political entity currently under formation to serve as the functional alternative to the council.

According to the sources, Al-Khubaji—who has been in Riyadh since last January—rejected the Saudi offer despite indications of approval from other council leaders present in the city.

This move comes as part of a Saudi strategy to fill the political vacuum in the southern governorates by providing massive financial backing to the new entity, ensuring the Kingdom’s influence and the implementation of its current regional agenda.

In a related context, sources indicated that Saudi maneuvers aim to contain the “Radfan wing” represented by Al-Khubaji, isolating it from the “Dhalea wing,” which receded following Aidarus al-Zubaidi’s departure to the UAE. These developments follow what sources describe as Riyadh’s success in isolating the “Yafea’ wing,” led by Presidential Leadership Council member Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, and the subsequent initiation of dismantling the “Al-Amaliqa Brigades” under the guise of restructuring.

On the military front, these political efforts are reinforced by formal proposals submitted by Defense Minister Tahir al-Uqaili to the commander of Saudi forces in Aden, Falah al-Shahrani. The proposals emphasized the urgency of restructuring the “Al-Amaliqa Brigades” and completely severing their ties to the STC, while recommending the appointment of new Salafist leaderships with absolute loyalty to Riyadh to ensure full control over the field.

YPA