Saudi-led coalition strikes Yemen, says STC leader al-Zubaidi has fled
Al Jazeera••general
Key Points:
- The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes in Yemen’s southern Dhale governorate targeting forces loyal to Southern Transitional Council (STC) leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who fled without boarding a plane for peace talks in Riyadh.
- Al-Zubaidi mobilized a large armed force from Aden toward Dhale, prompting the coalition to conduct preemptive strikes to prevent escalation of the conflict between the STC and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
- The STC, backed by the UAE, has sought an independent southern Yemeni state and seized significant territory, including Hadramout and Mahra provinces, challenging Saudi-backed government control.
- Riyadh condemned al-Zubaidi’s actions, with Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council
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