Saudi-led airstrikes kill four in Dhale after separatist leader flees, accused of high treason, escalating tensions with UAE-backed forces.
MUKALLA: The Saudi-led military coalition launched airstrikes on the home province of a UAE-backed separatist leader in Yemen.
The strikes on Dhale governorate followed the leader’s removal from the presidency and accusations of “high treason” for attempting to secede.
More than 15 airstrikes targeted the area, the home region of Aidaros Alzubidi of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
Four people were killed in the bombings, according to two hospital sources.
Alzubidi fled and mobilised “large forces” in Yemen’s southwest around Aden after failing to attend talks in Riyadh, the coalition said.
Coalition spokesperson Major General Turki al-Maliki stated Alzubidi “fled to an unknown location” after distributing weapons in Aden.
The new strikes aimed to prevent Alzubidi from “escalating the conflict” into Dhale, he added.
The developments raise the prospect of a major showdown between UAE-supported STC forces and pro-Saudi troops around Aden.
Aden serves as the base for Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which was ousted from Sanaa by Houthi rebels in 2014.
The STC’s territorial advance last month and Saudi Arabia’s firm response have severely strained relations with the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE is a fellow coalition member and rival powerbroker in Yemen’s complex war.
Alzubidi had been scheduled to travel to Riyadh for talks aimed at easing clashes.
His plane was delayed and he was not on board when it departed, according to the coalition.
An STC official said Alzubidi refused to fly after learning he would be asked to dissolve the group.
The Presidential Leadership Council announced Alzubidi’s removal, accusing him of exploiting the southern cause.
It stated he had “committed grave crimes against civilians in the southern governorates.”
More than 100 people have been killed in coalition airstrikes on newly-seized separatist positions.
The Saudis and Emiratis have long supported rival factions within Yemen’s fractious anti-Houthi alliance.
