Saudi Official Accuses U.A.E. of Helping Yemeni Separatist to Escape
The New York Times••world
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates of aiding separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, wanted for treason, in escaping Yemen to Somalia and then to the UAE, escalating tensions between the two allies.
- Aidarous al-Zubaidi leads the Southern Transitional Council, which seeks an independent southern Yemen and is supported by the UAE.
- The Southern Transitional Council denied the claim, stating al-Zubaidi remains in southern Yemen, while the UAE has not responded to the allegations.
- The dispute highlights growing friction between Saudi Arabia and the UAE following the Southern Transitional Council's recent offensive capturing oil-rich southern Yemeni territory, which Saudi Arabia views as a national security threat.
- Saudi-backed forces have recently recaptured
