Saudi-Backed Forces Secure Aden Amid Accusations Against UAE

Saudi-backed forces have secured the southern Yemeni city of Aden, following allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) facilitated the escape of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The Saudi-led coalition reported that al-Zubaidi fled Yemen by boat to Somalia, then traveled to Abu Dhabi on a military aircraft. The UAE has not responded to these claims.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government's interior ministry announced that National Shield Forces (NSF) have "secured" Aden, asserting that the city's security situation is "under control." The NSF released a video showing a convoy mobilizing to "secure several provinces" in the south previously held by the STC and allied militias.

Aden has served as the seat of Yemen's government since the Houthi movement took over the capital, Sana'a, in 2014. Last month, government officials fled to Riyadh when STC forces, led by al-Zubaidi, launched an offensive to seize the area.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have supported opposing factions in Yemen, with the UAE backing southern separatists and Saudi Arabia supporting a unified Yemen. The UAE withdrew most of its troops in 2019 but maintained a small contingent. The STC's recent advances into key southern provinces have heightened tensions, leading to Saudi airstrikes on UAE shipments and calls for the UAE's withdrawal from Yemen.

Under military pressure, the STC agreed to talks in Riyadh aimed at de-escalating the conflict. However, the Saudi-led coalition stated that al-Zubaidi mobilized "a large military force" to create "chaos and unrest" instead of attending the talks. Consequently, Yemen's internationally recognized government accused al-Zubaidi of "high treason" for "inciting internal strife."

An STC official reported that their delegation in Riyadh has been incommunicado since arrival. A photo posted by the Saudi ambassador to Yemen showed him meeting with the officials in the capital.

The situation underscores the deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen's future, complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.