Smoke rises in the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike, which targeted what it described as foreign military support to UAE-backed southern separatists, in Yemen`s southern port of Mukalla on December 30, 2025. (Photo via Reuters)

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen`s so-called Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has carried out airstrikes in the country`s southern al-Dhale governorate, targeting a site which was supposedly used as an arms depot by the head of the pro-secession Southern Transitional Council, Aidrous al-Zubaidi.

The military alliance`s spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Malk,i said in a statement that the aerial raids in al-Dhale were conducted early on Wednesday as preemptive measures in coordination with the self-proclaimed Homeland Shield Forces to thwart what Zubaidi was plotting to accomplish, and help establish security in the area.

According to the statement, Zubaidi received instructions on Sunday to travel to Saudi Arabia within a 48-hour timeframe to meet with PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi and coalition officials to deliberate on the attacks carried out by UAE-allied and STC-affiliated militants in Hadhramaut and al-Mahrah governorates.

Zubaidi subsequently expressed his intention to participate in discussions on Tuesday; however, he failed to board a Yemenia Airways flight from Aden after it was delayed for several hours.

During this time, information was made available to the PLC and the coalition that Zubaidi has mobilized a large military force, including armored and combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons, and munitions, Malki stated.

The PLC issued a decision on Wednesday to sack Zubaidi from the body, saying he committed "high treason" after fleeing to an unknown place and failing to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks purportedly meant to de-escalate recent tension in eastern and southern Yemen.

The STC, which advocates for the secession of southern Yemen, did not immediately comment on Zubaidi`s dismissal.

The council asserted on Wednesday that Zubaidi is still performing his responsibilities from the southern port city of Aden, dismissing reports that he has escaped to an undisclosed location.

It said it had dispatched a delegation to Saudi Arabia to participate in a forthcoming conference on southern Yemen.

Saudi-backed Homeland Shield Forces recaptured the southeastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Mahra from STC militants earlier this week. The two regions, which account for nearly half of Yemen`s territory, were seized by STC separatists last month.
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Last week, Saudi Arabia charged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with encouraging STC forces to conduct offensives along the kingdom`s southern border in Hadhramaut and Mahra. Abu Dhabi refuted the allegation.

For decades, Yemen has been subjected to external interference, resulting in significant implications on its political and economic development, along with human security in the nation.

In addition to the interference from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both the United States and Israel have carried out lethal strikes in the capital city of Sana`a, leading to civilian casualties.

The UN has cautioned about its consequences for vulnerable communities in the Arab nation, amidst worries about inadequate access to essential services and escalating needs.