Dubai

Saudi Arabia on Thursday accused the United Arab Emirates of secretly moving Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) and wanted for treason, out of the country to Abu Dhabi. The claim comes amid rising tensions between the two Gulf neighbors over the years-long conflict in Yemen.

According to a Saudi military statement, al-Zubaidi fled Yemen by boat to Somalia before UAE officials allegedly flew him to the Emirates’ capital. The STC, a key UAE-backed faction, recently clashed with Saudi-aligned forces after advancing in two southern governorates, prompting Saudi Arabia to expel al-Zubaidi from the Presidential Leadership Council and charge him with treason.

Saudi Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki named a UAE major general as involved in the alleged operation and referenced an Il-76 aircraft reportedly used, noting its prior use in conflict zones such as Ethiopia, Libya, and Somalia. The UAE has not responded to the claims, and the STC said al-Zubaidi remained in Aden.

Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber met an STC delegation in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss al-Zubaidi’s actions and coordination for an upcoming Southern Cause Conference aimed at resolving southern Yemen disputes. STC negotiator Mohamed al-Ghaithi described the meeting as “fruitful” and affirmed the group’s commitment to unity and stability.

The dispute underscores a growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both OPEC members and longtime allies in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also conducted airstrikes targeting the STC and an alleged arms shipment from the UAE in recent weeks.

Yemen’s war, ongoing since 2014, has killed more than 150,000 people and caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Regional tensions have also affected maritime routes near the Red Sea amid broader Middle East conflicts.

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Saudi state media amplified the allegations, publishing images of al-Zubaidi under a “WANTED” headline and accusing him of pursuing personal power at the expense of Yemen’s unity.