Saudi official says Yemen separatist leader fled after failing to board plane for peace talks

"A statement from Maj General Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, represents the latest twist in tensions between it and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the United Arab Emirates. Al-Malik said the council's leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, had been due to take a flight to Saudi Arabia. But while other council officials took the flight, he said al-Zubaidi did not."

"The legitimate government and the coalition received intelligence indicating that al-Zubaidi had moved a large force including armoured vehicles, combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons, and ammunition, al-Malki said. Al-Zubaidi fled to an unknown location. There was no immediate comment from the council, known by the acronym STC. The confusion over al-Zubaidi's whereabouts came as the Saudi-led coalition said it had undertaken limited pre-emptive strikes in Yemen to stop the UAE-backed separatists from expanding the conflict."

"Following the developments, the Saudi-backed presidential council stripped al-Zubaidi of his membership and referred him to the public prosecutor on charges including high treason, state news agency SABA said. The decision, issued by the council chair, Rashad al-Alimi, accused al-Zubaidi of inciting armed rebellion, attacking constitutional authorities and committing abuses against civilians in southern Yemen. For years, the STC has been part of Yemen's internationally recognised government."

Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), was expected to fly to Saudi Arabia for negotiations but did not board the flight and fled to an unknown location. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Maj General Turki al-Malki said intelligence indicated al-Zubaidi moved a large force including armoured vehicles, combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons, and ammunition. The coalition reported limited pre-emptive strikes in southern Yemen aimed at preventing STC expansion. Domestic and STC sources reported more than 15 strikes in his home province. The Saudi-backed presidential council removed al-Zubaidi from membership and referred him to prosecutors on charges including high treason.

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