Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE of Aiding Yemeni Separatist Leader's Escape
Saudi Arabia alleges that the United Arab Emirates facilitated the escape of Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of assisting Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi in fleeing Yemen, a move that intensifies the rift between the two Gulf allies.
According to a statement from the Saudi-led coalition, al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), departed Yemen by boat to Berbera in Somaliland. From there, he reportedly flew to Mogadishu, Somalia, before arriving in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital.
The UAE, a key supporter of the STC, has not publicly responded to these allegations. Anwar al-Tamimi, a spokesperson for the STC, denied the claims, stating that al-Zubaidi remains in southern Yemen.
This development follows the STC's recent military advances in southern Yemen, which have strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The STC's actions have been viewed by Saudi Arabia as a threat to Yemen's unity and have led to increased tensions within the Saudi-led coalition.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics within the coalition and the broader regional implications of the conflict in Yemen.
Source
The New York TimesFact-checking
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