Saudi-led coalition reveals details of STC leader Zubaidi’s escape from Yemen to UAE

Turki al-Maliki, the spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition forces, has released detailed intelligence regarding the escape of Aydarus al-Zubaidi, the leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and his associates from the port of Aden in Yemen.

Maliki revealed that al-Zubaidi first traveled by sea to the Somaliland region, from where he reached the Somali capital, Mogadishu. He was subsequently transported to the Al-Reef Military Airport in Abu Dhabi under the direct supervision of UAE officers.

The coalition had announced yesterday that al-Zubaidi had fled to an unknown location.

Escape by disabling tracking systems

According to information shared by Maliki, al-Zubaidi and his accompanying delegation departed from the port of Aden shortly after midnight on January 7 aboard a vessel named BAMEDHAF, heading toward Somaliland.

The spokesperson noted that the vessel disabled its Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection and reached the port of Berbera on Wednesday afternoon.

Direct communication with UAE general

Throughout the process, intelligence confirmed that al-Zubaidi remained in constant communication with Major General Awad Muslih al-Ahbabi, the UAE’s Commander of Joint Operations.

Maliki emphasized that al-Zubaidi and his team were transported from Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi via an Ilyushin-type aircraft, an operation carried out under the supervision of UAE officers. The spokesperson pointed out that these types of aircraft are frequently utilized in conflict zones such as Libya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Vessel shares flag with arms-laden ship

Upon examining the maritime records of the vessel, coalition officials determined that the BAMEDHAF was flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Maliki recalled that this is the same flag flown by the “Green Land,” a ship previously identified as transporting armored combat vehicles and weaponry from the port of Fujairah to the port of Mukalla.

High-ranking officials remain missing

Coalition forces are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of individuals known to have met with Aydarus al-Zubaidi shortly before his escape from Aden.

These figures include the former Governor of Aden, Ahmed Hamid Lamlas, and the Commander of the Security Belt Forces in Aden, Mohsen al-Wali. Authorities reported that all communication with both men has been severed.

Dismissed on charges of high treason

Yesterday, Rashad al-Alimi, the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, issued a decree stripping Aydarus al-Zubaidi of his council membership. Al-Alimi further referred al-Zubaidi’s case to the Attorney General’s Office to launch an investigation into charges of “high treason.