Saudi Officials: Zubaidi Flee Disrupts Yemen Talks

Published: 07 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Yemen’s separatist leader vanished after failing to board a plane for peace talks, with officials citing Zubaidi flee as a critical concern. Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), did not join a scheduled flight to the kingdom while other council members proceeded, Maj General Turki al-Malki said. Intelligence reports indicated that al-Zubaidi moved substantial forces including armoured vehicles, weapons, and ammunition before disappearing, marking a significant escalation and further complicating negotiations for southern Yemen.

The STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates, has not publicly commented on the Zubaidi flee situation, leaving uncertainty about the council’s next steps. Saudi-led coalition forces confirmed limited pre-emptive strikes aimed at preventing the expansion of conflict by UAE-aligned separatists, with more than fifteen strikes reported in al-Zubaidi’s home province. Analysts suggest that the sudden Zubaidi flee signals deeper divisions between the STC and Saudi authorities, complicating efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in Yemen.

Following the developments, Yemen’s presidential council stripped al-Zubaidi of his membership and referred him to the public prosecutor on high treason charges, according to state news agency SABA. Council chair Rashad al-Alimi accused him of inciting armed rebellion, attacking constitutional authorities, and committing abuses against civilians. The council emphasised that restoring governance and security in southern Yemen is urgent to prevent further destabilisation amid ongoing tensions caused by the Zubaidi flee.

For years, the STC has been part of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, although its relations with Saudi-backed authorities remained tense. Disagreements between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over southern Yemen have intensified following the Zubaidi flee, fracturing a coalition originally formed to combat Iran-aligned Houthis. The Houthis seized Sana’a in 2014, prompting Gulf intervention in 2015 to support the official government, which continues to struggle under fragmented control across rival zones.

Experts warn that the Zubaidi flee could embolden local militias and further destabilise southern Yemen, complicating diplomatic solutions as both Saudi Arabia and the UAE attempt to assert influence. Analysts stress that the leadership vacuum may delay humanitarian support and risk renewed clashes, with international stakeholders urging restraint and dialogue to prevent escalation.

Saudi authorities’ confirmation of the Zubaidi flee comes amid growing pressure on Gulf allies and Yemeni authorities to consolidate peace efforts. Analysts note that internal divisions within the STC could prolong the impasse unless negotiations resume, highlighting the fragile nature of Yemen’s political landscape where multiple factions and foreign interests intersect. International observers continue monitoring developments, hoping renewed diplomatic engagement can stabilise the region and prevent wider conflict.

The implications of the Zubaidi flee extend beyond political symbolism, affecting military alignments and humanitarian logistics across southern Yemen. The presidential council has reiterated the importance of lawful governance, while the coalition remains prepared to respond to threats from armed separatist movements. The STC’s silence regarding their leader’s whereabouts fuels speculation, heightening the urgency of international mediation to restore stability and prevent broader insecurity.

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