General · 8 January 2026
Saudi Arabia accuses UAE of helping Yemeni separatist leader flee
Riyadh alleges that the UAE facilitated Aidarous al-Zubaidi's flight from Yemen. Al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council, faced high treason charges. He reportedly left Aden by sea for Somaliland, then travelled to Abu Dhabi. Saudi officials confirmed al-Zubaidi's expulsion from Yemen's presidential council after he declined talks in Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition suggests the UAE aided his travel. This event has reportedly strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who support opposing sides in Yemen's conflict.
Reported by Al Jazeera · How we write briefs