Al-Zubaidi Heads to Riyadh Before the Saudi Deadline Amid Concerns Within the STC
Restrictions on the Movement of the Southern Transitional Council President and Fears of a House-Arrest Scenario
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, has traveled to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, accompanied by a number of council leaders, shortly before the expiration of a deadline set by Saudi Arabia, amid indications that he was unable to leave the city of Aden for any other destination.
According to informed sources, Al-Zubaidi’s movements in recent weeks had been limited and tightly restricted, amid complex political and security arrangements that left him with no option but to head to Riyadh, at a highly sensitive moment for the southern arena.
Concerns Within the STC Over the Consequences of the Visit
The same sources reported growing concern among STC leaders over the possibility that Al-Zubaidi could face detention or be placed under house arrest, similar to what happened to former Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi after his move to Saudi Arabia.
These developments come at a time when relations between the Southern Transitional Council and the coalition—particularly Riyadh—are experiencing unannounced tensions over political and security files related to the administration of the south and the future of partnership within the Presidential Leadership Council.
A Pivotal Phase for the Southern Transitional Council
Observers believe that Al-Zubaidi’s departure to Riyadh at this time represents a pivotal phase in the trajectory of the STC, with potential repercussions for the nature of its relationship with the coalition, as well as for the future of the council’s political and military influence in the southern governorates.
