Saudi Coalition Strikes STC Forces in Southern Yemen

The Saudi coalition’s strikes on southern Yemen marked a sharp turn in the confrontation between the Riyadh-backed government and the Southern Transitional Council. Aircraft carried out a series of attacks on STC positions in Al-Dhalea province, including the Zubaid area and military camps where equipment had previously been redeployed from Aden.

According to local sources, more than 15 airstrikes were carried out within a short period of time. Dozens of people were reported killed and wounded, including civilians such as women and children. The strikes hit both military infrastructure and adjacent residential areas.

The Saudi coalition justified its actions as preventive. According to its account, the STC was preparing to expand hostilities and had concentrated large forces with heavy weaponry. The statement also claimed that the council’s leader, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, left the combat zone and fled in an unknown direction, effectively abandoning leadership of the movement.

Following the strikes, Yemen’s internationally recognized government announced the removal of al-Zubaidi from its ranks. His case was transferred to the prosecutor’s office. He is accused of treason, creating an illegal armed formation, and involvement in the deaths of military personnel.

The developments show that the conflict in southern Yemen is moving beyond the fight against external adversaries and increasingly taking the form of an internal armed confrontation among coalition allies. The strikes on the STC demonstrate Riyadh’s readiness to use force against structures that were previously considered partners.

At the same time, the situation remains unstable. It is unclear whether the strikes will weaken the Southern Transitional Council or, on the contrary, provoke a new wave of violence. The Saudi coalition has already urged civilians to stay away from military facilities and equipment in Aden and Al-Dhalea, indicating the likelihood of continued operations.