Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, which holds executive power and groups rival UAE and Saudi-backed figures, then announced Mr. Alzubidi’s removal, accusing him of high treason. The coalition carried out strikes to prevent Mr. Alzubidi from “escalating the conflict” and extending it into Dhale governorate, he said. Mr. Alzubidi “continues his duties” in Aden, the group said, calling on the Saudi-led coalition to halt the air strikes. “It has been established that (Mr. Alzubidi) has abused the just cause of the South and exploited it to commit grave crimes against civilians in the southern governorates,” it said. Last week, Mr. Alzubidi had announced a two-year transition towards creating a new country, “South Arabia”, in Yemen’s south.

Source: The Hindu January 07, 2026 05:44 UTC