Yemen’s anti-Houthi council expels separatist leader, charges him with treason

Yemen’s Saudi‑backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) announced on Wednesday that it had expelled leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al‑Zubaidi , from its ranks and charged him with high treason , in a dramatic escalation of internal divisions within the anti‑Houthi camp. The decree, signed by council chairman Rashad al‑Alimi, also referred al‑Zubaidi to the public prosecutor for investigation on multiple charges, including undermining the republic’s sovereignty and security , forming armed groups and harming the state’s political, military and economic standing.

Saudi authorities had earlier said al‑Zubaidi was expected to fly to Riyadh for talks aimed at de-escalating tensions, but he failed to board his flight and instead relocated to an unspecified location, according to a coalition spokesperson. The Saudi‑led coalition accused him of mobilizing heavy weapons and armored forces , heightening fears of renewed clashes in the south.

The STC, which has received support from the United Arab Emirates , has not confirmed the PLC’s allegations. STC officials insisted al‑Zubaidi remained in Aden and accused Saudi forces of launching airstrikes on STC positions in al‑Dhale governorate , causing civilian casualties and forcing communication breakdowns with its delegation in Riyadh.

Wednesday’s developments underscore a growing rift within the anti‑Houthi coalition that has long fought Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels. Clashes and territorial disputes between Saudi‑backed government forces and the UAE‑aligned STC have worsened in recent weeks, including the Saudi‑backed recapture of Mukalla from the STC earlier this month.

The STC’s broader political agenda, including its recent constitutional declaration for a de facto independent southern state , has long strained relations with the internationally recognized government and its Saudi allies.

Analysts warn the crisis threatens to further fracture Yemen’s already fragile governance and complicate efforts to contain the civil war that has devastated the country for more than a decade. With Gulf powers backing rival factions, unity against the Houthis appears increasingly fragile, complicating peace‑making efforts and deepening the humanitarian disaster for millions of Yemenis.