Unexpected appearance of Aidarous al-Zubaidi sparks debate in southern Yemen

ADEN, April 20 (YPA) – Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, former head of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC), made an unexpected appearance on Monday, drawing widespread attention and sparking debate.

In a post on the social media platform X, al-Zubaidi claimed he had participated in an event with what he described as members of the “southern diaspora” in New York, United States.

In the same statement, he reiterated his commitment to restoring what he referred to as the “State of the South.”

His post quickly triggered strong reactions among activists on social media. Many dismissed his claims as fabricated, suggesting the statement was part of a broader psychological campaign attributed to UAE-backed factions operating in southern and eastern Yemen.

Earlier, Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, reportedly issued a decision to expel Aidrous Al-Zubaidi from the council and refer him to the Attorney General on charges of high treason.

This move came after Saudi forces reportedly expelled UAE-backed armed groups from Yemen’s eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra in January. Shortly thereafter, the dissolution of the STC was announced.

Al-Zubaidi had largely disappeared from public view since early January, following the decision to pursue him. His whereabouts have remained unknown until his latest online appearance, which has now reignited political tensions and speculation.

@E.Y.M